Multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope systems

ABSTRACT

A multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope having a tip section including a first optical assembly for generating a first image of a body cavity; a second optical assembly for generating a second image of a body cavity; at least one illuminator associated with each of the first optical assembly and second optical assembly; and a processing system configured to: zoom the first optical assembly and thereby generate a zoomed first image in place of the first image; and automatically cause a physical display to eliminate a display of the second image and to only display said zoomed first image. To eliminate the display of the second image, the processing system reduces a power supply to the second optical assembly, reduces an illumination intensity of an illuminator associated with the second optical assembly or causes the physical display to power off, darken, or blacken.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/805,234, filed on Jul. 21, 2015, which claimsthe benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/027,005, filed on Jul. 21, 2014 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/029,764, filed on Jul. 28, 2014, all of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present specification relates generally to multi-camera endoscopesystems, and in particular to endoscope systems comprising at least onemulti-focal optical assembly and/or at least one type of light adjustingcomponents.

BACKGROUND

Some endoscopes, including high resolution endoscopes, are equipped witha lens assembly comprising a movable motor driven lens in the tip of thescope. By controlling the focal distance, the endoscope can move veryclose to an object of interest, such as a lesion, mucosal, polyp,adenoma and the like, providing a magnified image thereof.

Multi-camera endoscope systems may include a multiple screen displayconfigured to simultaneously display a plurality of images captured bymore than one camera. The multi-screen display provides an expanded 330degrees field of view to the operator that allows identifying,interrogating and treating objects of interest during endoscopicprocedures conveniently. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/263,896,entitled “Video Processing In a Compact Multi-Viewing Element EndoscopeSystem” and filed on Apr. 28, 2014 is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety. In addition, U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/273,923, entitled “Operational Interface In A Multi-Viewing ElementsEndoscope”, and filed on May 9, 2014 is also herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. In addition, the present specification isrelated to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/882,004, entitled“Optical Systems for Multi-Sensor Endoscopes”, and filed on Apr. 26,2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in addition to thepriority applications upon which it relies.

However, zooming in and magnifying an object image by a predeterminedpercentage, which may be over about 30% for example, while other objectsare displayed with a lower magnification on a multi-screen display, maycause loss of visual orientation, visual fatigue and is generally anuncomfortable experience for the operator.

Moreover, the inclusion of one or more lens assemblies, each comprisinga movable motor driven lens, requires significant space which is anextremely limited resource at the tip section of a multi-cameraendoscope.

Thus, it would be highly advantageous to provide a multi-focal,multi-camera endoscope systems that may be used to comfortably identifyand magnify objects of interest during endoscopic procedures, whilestill being small and compact enough to fit within the limited volume ofan endoscope tip.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses a tip sectionof an endoscope, comprising: a first optical assembly for generating afirst image of a body cavity; a second optical assembly for generating asecond image of a body cavity; at least one illuminator associated witheach of the first optical assembly and second optical assembly; and aprocessing system configured to: zoom the first optical assembly andthereby generate a zoomed first image in place of the first image; andautomatically cause a physical display to eliminate a display of thesecond image and to only display said zoomed first image.

Optionally, the tip section is part of an endoscope system and furthercomprises at least two screens for respectively displaying the firstimage and the second image.

In some embodiments, the at least one illuminator is sufficientlyproximate such that it is the primary illuminator of the field of viewof the associated optical assembly.

Optionally, the first image may overlap with the second image. Stilloptionally, the first image may not overlap with the second image.Optionally, “overlap” may be defined as capturing a view of the samephysical object.

Optionally, to eliminate the display of the second image, the processingsystem reduces a power supply to the second optical assembly.

Optionally, to eliminate the display of the second image, the processingsystem reduces an illumination intensity of said at least oneilluminator associated with the second optical assembly.

Optionally, to eliminate the display of the second image, the processingsystem causes the physical display to power off, darken, or blacken.

In some embodiments, the first optical assembly may be a front-pointingoptical assembly and the second optical assembly may be a firstside-pointing optical assembly.

Optionally, the tip section further comprises a third optical assemblyfor generating a third image of the body cavity and displaying saidthird image on a corresponding third screen, wherein the third opticalassembly is a second side-pointing optical assembly.

Optionally, at least one of the first and second optical assemblies isconfigured to operate at a first working distance and a second workingdistance. Still optionally, said zoomed image is created when said atleast one optical assembly is switched from said first working distanceto said second working distance. Still optionally, said first workingdistance provides magnification ranging between 100× to 6×. Stilloptionally, said second working distance provides magnification rangingbetween 250× to 100×.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses a method ofusing an endoscope having a tip section with at least two opticalassemblies and at least one illuminator associated with each of said atleast two optical assemblies, the method comprising: generating at leasttwo images of a body cavity from each of said at least two opticalassemblies; displaying a first image and a second image of the at leasttwo images on a first screen and a second screen, respectively; zoomingone of said at least two optical assemblies to generate and display azoomed image in place of the first image of the at least two images; andautomatically eliminating a display of the second image of the at leasttwo images on the second screen.

Optionally, eliminating the display of the second image of the at leasttwo images is performed by reducing a power supply to the opticalassembly generating the second image of the at least two images.

Optionally, eliminating the display of the second image of the at leasttwo images is enabled by reducing an illumination intensity of said atleast one illuminator associated with the optical assembly generatingthe second image of the at least two images.

Optionally, eliminating the display of the second image of the at leasttwo images is enabled by powering off, darkening, or blackening one ofsaid at least two screens corresponding to the display of the secondimage of the at least two images.

Optionally, a first of said at least two optical assemblies is afront-pointing optical assembly and a second of said at least twooptical assemblies is a first side-pointing optical assembly.

In some embodiments, the endoscope may further comprise a third opticalassembly for generating a third image of the body cavity and displayingsaid third image on a corresponding third screen, wherein the thirdoptical assembly is a second side-pointing optical assembly.

Optionally, at least one of said at least two optical assemblies isconfigured to operate at a first working distance and a second workingdistance. Still optionally, said zoomed image is created when saidoptical assembly is switched from said first working distance to saidsecond working distance. Still optionally, said first working distanceprovides magnification ranging between 100× to 6×. Still optionally,said second working distance provides magnification ranging between 250×to 100×.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses an endoscopesystem having an endoscope tip comprising: a front pointing opticalassembly for generating a first image of a body cavity at a firstworking distance and a second image at a second working distance,wherein the front optical assembly comprises a front lens assemblymounted on a front image sensor and wherein said front lens assemblyincludes a first lens associated with said first working distance and asecond lens associated with said second working distance; at least oneside pointing optical assembly for generating at least one side image ofthe body cavity; at least one illuminator associated with each of saidfront pointing optical assembly and said at least one side pointingoptical assembly; at least one actuation element located within saidfront pointing optical assembly; and a processing system configured toenable said at least one actuation element to: move said first lens outof an optical path that connects a line of sight from said front imagesensor to an object of interest within said body cavity; and move saidsecond lens into said optical path to generate said second image.

Optionally, said first image generated at said first working distancehas magnification in a range between 100× to 6×. Optionally, said secondimage generated at said second working distance has magnification in arange between 250× to 100×.

Optionally, said at least one actuation element comprises at least onepneumatic engine. Optionally, said at least one actuation elementcomprises a piezoelectric element, an electric engine, solenoid, aNitinol engine, a pneumatic engine, or a combination thereof.

Optionally, said endoscope system comprises a front screen and at leastone side screen, wherein the front screen is configured to display saidfirst or second image and the at least one side screen is configured todisplay said at least one side image.

In some embodiments, upon moving said second lens into the optical path,the processing system may further be configured to automaticallyeliminate the display of said at least one side image.

Optionally, the processing system eliminates the display of said atleast one side image by cutting off or reducing a power supply to the atleast one side pointing optical assembly.

Optionally, the processing system eliminates the display of said atleast one side image by powering off or reducing an illuminationintensity of said at least one illuminator associated with said at leastone side pointing optical assembly.

Optionally, wherein the processing system eliminates the display of saidat least one side image by powering off, darkening or blackening said atleast one side screen.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses, a tip sectionof an endoscope, comprising: a front pointing optical assembly forgenerating a front image of a body cavity; a first side pointing opticalassembly for generating a first image of the body cavity at a firstworking distance and a second image at a second working distance,wherein the first side optical assembly comprises a first side lensassembly mounted on a first side image sensor and wherein said firstside lens assembly includes a first lens associated with said firstworking distance and a second lens associated with said second workingdistance; one or more illuminators associated with each of said frontpointing optical assembly and said first side pointing optical assembly;one or more actuation elements located within said first side lensassembly; and a processor configured to enable said one or moreactuation elements to: move said first lens out of an optical path thatconnects a line of sight from said first side image sensor to an objectof interest within said body cavity; and move said second lens into theoptical path to enable generating said second image.

Optionally, wherein said first image generated at said first workingdistance has a magnification ranging between 100× to 6×. Stilloptionally, said second image generated at said second working distancehas a magnification ranging between 250× to 100×.

Optionally, said one or more actuation elements comprise at least onepneumatic engine. Still optionally, said one or more actuation elementsmay comprise any one or a combination of a piezoelectric element, anelectric engine, solenoid, a Nitinol engine, at least one pneumaticengine.

Optionally, the processor is configured to display said front image on afront screen and display said first or second image on a first sidescreen.

In some embodiments, upon moving said second lens into the optical path,the processor may further be configured to automatically eliminatedisplay of said front image.

Optionally, the processor is configured to eliminate the display of saidfront image by powering off or reducing a power supply to the frontpointing optical assembly.

Optionally, the processor is configured to eliminate the display of saidfront image by powering off or reducing an illumination intensity ofsaid one or more illuminators associated with said front pointingoptical assembly. Optionally, the processor is configured to eliminatethe display of said front image by powering off, darkening or blackeningsaid front screen.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses a tip sectionof an endoscope, comprising: a front pointing optical assembly forgenerating a first image of a body cavity at a first working distanceand a second image at a second working distance; at least one sidepointing optical assembly for generating at least one side image of thebody cavity; one or more illuminators associated with each of said frontpointing optical assembly and said at least one side pointing opticalassembly; one or more spacers retractably positioned at a distal end ofthe tip section; and a processing system configured to enable said oneor more spacers to be deployed in an extended position to maintain adistance between said front pointing optical assembly and a wall of saidbody cavity and to be retracted back into the distal end of the tipsection.

Optionally, said distance approximately matches said second workingdistance.

Optionally, a protruding length of said one or more spacers each rangesbetween 1.5 to 7 millimeters.

Optionally, one or more spacers are positioned such that a distancebetween any two of said spacers ranges between 8 to 10 millimeters.

Optionally, said first image generated at said first working distancehas magnification in a range between 100× to 6×, and wherein said secondimage generated at said second working distance has magnification in arange between 250× to 100×.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses a tip sectionof an endoscope, comprising: a front pointing optical assembly forgenerating a front image; a first side pointing optical assembly forgenerating a first image at a first working distance and a second imageat a second working distance; one or more illuminators associated witheach of said front and side pointing optical assembly; three or morespacers retractably mounted at a distal end of the tip section andassociated with said first side pointing optical assembly; and aprocessor configured to enable said three or more spacers to be deployedin an extended position to maintain a distance between said first sidepointing optical assembly and a wall of said body cavity in order togenerate said second image and to retract said three or more spacersback into the distal end of the tip section.

Optionally, said distance approximately matches said second workingdistance.

Optionally, a radially protruding height of said three or more spacersranges between 1.5 to 7 millimeters.

Optionally, three or more spacers are positioned such that a distancebetween any two of said consecutive spacers ranges between 8 to 10millimeters.

Optionally, said first image generated at said first working distancehas a magnification ranging between 100× to 6×, and wherein said secondimage generated at said second working distance has a magnificationranging between 250× to 100×.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses a tip sectionof an endoscope, comprising: at least one optical assembly forgenerating a first image of a body cavity at a first working distanceand a second image at a second working distance, wherein said secondworking distance is shorter than said first working distance; one ormore illuminators associated with said at least one optical assembly andconfigured to provide a first mode of illumination associated with saidfirst working distance and a second mode of illumination associated withsaid second working distance; first and second light adjustingcomponents retractably positioned on either side of said at least oneoptical assembly such that said optical assembly and said one or moreilluminators lie between said first and second light adjustingcomponents; third and fourth light adjusting components mounted on saidone or more illuminators, wherein said third and fourth light adjustingcomponents allow a passage of light during said first mode ofillumination and diffuse light during said second mode of illumination;and a processor configured to perform any one or both of the following:enable said first and second light adjusting components to be deployedwhen said at least one optical assembly is configured to generate saidsecond image at said second working distance, wherein deployment of saidfirst and second light adjusting components cause said first mode ofillumination to be modified to said second mode of illumination; enablesaid third and fourth light adjusting components to diffuse light whensaid at least one optical assembly is configured to generate said secondimage at said second working distance.

Optionally, said first and second light adjusting components havelambertian reflectance surfaces.

Optionally, said first and second light adjusting components areballoons that are inflated for deployment.

Optionally, said third and fourth light adjusting components are liquidcrystal transmissive screens.

Optionally, a size of said first and second light adjusting components,when deployed, approximately matches said second working distance.

Optionally, said first image generated at said first working distancehas a magnification ranging between 100× to 6×. Still optionally, saidsecond image generated at said second working distance has amagnification ranging between 250× to 100×.

Optionally, said first mode of illumination is characterized by a fieldof illumination of said one or mode illuminators ranging between 150°and 170° with rays of illumination falling directly on an anomaly withinthe body cavity. Optionally, said second mode of illumination ischaracterized by a field of illumination of said one or modeilluminators ranging between 140° and 180° with oblique rays ofillumination falling on an anomaly within the body cavity.

Optionally, said first working distance ranges between 4 to 100millimeters and said second working distance ranges between 1 to 4millimeters.

In some embodiments, the present specification discloses a method ofusing a tip section of an endoscope having at least one opticalassembly, one or more associated illuminators and first, second, thirdand fourth light adjusting components, wherein the first and secondlight adjusting components are retractably positioned on either side ofsaid at least one optical assembly such that said optical assembly andsaid one or more illuminators lie between said first and second lightadjusting components and wherein the third and fourth light adjustingcomponents are mounted on said one or more illuminators, the methodcomprising: using the at least one optical assembly to generate a firstimage of a body cavity at a first working distance, while the first andsecond light adjusting components are in retracted configuration and thethird and fourth light adjusting components allow passage of light fromsaid one or more illuminators during a first mode of illumination; andusing the at least one optical assembly to generate a second image at asecond working distance, and performing any one or both of thefollowing: deploying said first and second light adjusting componentsthereby modifying said first mode of illumination of said one or moreilluminators to a second mode of illumination; enabling said third andfourth light adjusting components to diffuse light thereby modifyingsaid first mode of illumination of said one or more illuminators to saidsecond mode of illumination.

Optionally, said first and second light adjusting components havelambertian reflectance surfaces. Optionally, said first and second lightadjusting components are balloons that are inflated for deployment.

Optionally, said third and fourth light adjusting components are liquidcrystal transmissive screens.

Optionally, a size of said first and second light adjusting components,when deployed, approximately matches said second working distance.

Optionally, said first image generated at said first working distancehas magnification ranging between 100× to 6×. Optionally, said secondimage generated at said second working distance has magnificationranging between 250× to 100×.

Optionally, said first mode of illumination is characterized by a fieldof illumination of said one or mode illuminators ranging between 150°and 170° with rays of illumination falling directly on an anomaly withinthe body cavity.

Optionally, said second mode of illumination is characterized by a fieldof illumination of said one or mode illuminators ranging between 140°and 180° with oblique rays of illumination falling on an anomaly withinthe body cavity.

Optionally, said first working distance ranges between 4 to 100millimeters and said second working distance ranges between 1 to 4millimeters.

The aforementioned and other embodiments of the present invention shallbe described in greater depth in the drawings and detailed descriptionprovided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will befurther appreciated, as they become better understood by reference tothe detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of a multi-camera endoscope tip sectionhaving a multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a multi-camera endoscope tip sectionhaving a multi-focal front-pointing composite optical assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a multi-camera display system comprising three screens todisplay images and/or videos obtained by a multi-camera endoscope tipsection;

FIG. 3B is the multi-camera display system of FIG. 3A with a front viewscreen displaying a magnified image of an anomaly identified by amulti-focal front-pointing optical assembly;

FIG. 3C is the multi-camera display system of FIG. 3B with presentationson first and second side view screens disabled or darkened;

FIG. 4 is the endoscope tip section of FIGS. 1A, 1B with a plurality ofdistance determining members in deployed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a plurality of exemplary steps of amethod of obtaining a magnified view of an area or object of interestwithin a body cavity, such as a colon, using a multi-focal frontpointing optical assembly of a multi focal, multi-camera endoscope tipsection;

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a multi-camera endoscope tip sectionhaving a multi-focal first side-pointing optical assembly, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of a multi-camera endoscope tip sectionhaving a multi-focal first side-pointing composite optical assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a multi-camera display system comprising three screens todisplay images and/or videos obtained by a multi-camera endoscope tipsection;

FIG. 7B is the multi-camera display system of FIG. 7A with a first-sideview screen displaying a magnified image of an anomaly identified by amulti-focal first side-pointing optical assembly;

FIG. 7C is the multi-camera display system of FIG. 7B with presentationson front and second side view screens disabled or darkened;

FIG. 8A illustrates a multi-focal side pointing optical assembly withina body cavity and at a distance, from an object of interest, that doesnot match a working distance of the multi-focal side pointing opticalassembly being used to obtain a magnified image of the object ofinterest;

FIG. 8B illustrates the multi-focal side pointing optical assembly ofFIG. 8A within an inflated body cavity such that a distance of themulti-focal optical assembly, from the object of interest, approximatelymatches the working distance of the multi-focal side pointing opticalassembly;

FIG. 8C illustrates the multi-focal side pointing optical assembly ofFIG. 8A that deploys first and second distance determining members toposition the multi-focal side pointing optical assembly at a distance,from the object of interest, approximately matching the working distanceof the multi-focal side pointing optical assembly;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a plurality of exemplary steps of amethod of obtaining a magnified view of an area or object of interestwithin a body cavity, such as a colon, using a multi-focal side pointingoptical assembly of a multi focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section;

FIG. 10A illustrates an endoscope tip section illuminating an anomaly,within a body cavity, at a first working distance;

FIG. 10B illustrates the endoscope tip section of FIG. 10A failiing toilluminate the anomaly at a second working distance;

FIG. 11A illustrates an endoscope tip section with an embodiment of amulti-focal optical assembly in a first mode of operation and a firsttype of light adjusting components refracted in a first mode ofillumination;

FIG. 11B illustrates the endoscope tip section of FIG. 11A with themulti-focal optical assembly in a second mode of operation and the firsttype of light adjusting components deployed in a second mode ofillumination;

FIG. 11C illustrates an endoscope tip section with a multi-focal opticalassembly in the first mode of operation and first and second types oflight adjusting components in the first mode of illumination;

FIG. 11D illustrates the endoscope tip section of FIG. 11C with themulti-focal optical assembly in the second mode of operation and atleast one of the first and second types of light adjusting components inthe second mode of illumination;

FIG. 11E illustrates an endoscope tip section with another embodiment ofa multi-focal optical assembly in a first mode of operation and thefirst type of light adjusting components refracted in the first mode ofillumination;

FIG. 11F illustrates the endoscope tip section of FIG. 11E with themulti-focal optical assembly in the second mode of operation and thefirst type of light adjusting components deployed in the second mode ofillumination;

FIG. 11G illustrates an endoscope tip section with a multi-focal opticalassembly in the first mode of operation and first and second types oflight adjusting components in the first mode of illumination;

FIG. 11H illustrates an endoscope tip section with an embodiment of acomposite multi-focal optical assembly in the first mode of operationand the first type of light adjusting components refracted in the firstmode of illumination;

FIG. 11I illustrates the endoscope tip section of FIG. 11H with thecomposite multi-focal optical assembly in the second mode of operationand the first type of light adjusting components deployed in the secondmode of illumination;

FIG. 11J illustrates an endoscope tip section with a multi-focalcomposite optical assembly in the first mode of operation and first andsecond types of light adjusting components in the first mode ofillumination;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a plurality of exemplary steps of amethod of obtaining a magnified view of an area or object of interestwithin a body cavity, such as a colon, using a multi focal, multi-cameraendoscope tip section equipped with at least one of first and secondtypes of light adjusting components;

FIG. 13A shows a graph illustrating a variation of relative illuminancewith reference to a radiation angle for a light diffuser withoutapplication of an electrical field; and

FIG. 13B shows a graph illustrating a variation of relative illuminancewith reference to a radiation angle for the light diffuser withapplication of an electric field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. Thefollowing disclosure is provided in order to enable a person havingordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used inthis specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal ofany one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond themeaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined hereinmay be applied to other embodiments and applications without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the specification. Also, the terminologyand phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplaryembodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the presentspecification is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerousalternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with theprinciples and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, detailsrelating to technical material that is known in the technical fieldsrelated to the invention have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure the present specification.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words“comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarilylimited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

According to aspects and embodiments of the present invention,multi-focal (for example, dual focus) multi-camera endoscope systems aredisclosed. The endoscope system, according to some embodiments, includesat least one multi-focal optical assembly comprising at least one imagesensor and at least one lens assembly further comprising opticalelement(s) configured to shift from a first working distance to a secondworking distance, when triggered by a processor associated with theendoscope system, thereby to provide an increased magnification of anobject of interest.

As used herein in accordance with some embodiments, at least the lensassembly is part of a “camera” or “viewing element”. In someembodiments, the term “camera” is used to describe a lens assembly andits associated image sensor. The “camera” or “viewing element” withassociated image sensor and associated circuit board form an “opticalassembly”. Further, the optical assembly typically is associated with atleast one illuminator for illuminating the field of view. Thus, amulti-focal optical assembly includes a multi-focal viewing element withassociated sensor, associated circuit board and is associated with atleast one illuminator, in various embodiments. In various otherembodiments, the multi-focal optical assembly is also associated with atleast one of first and second types of light adjusting componentsconfigured to function in a first or a second mode of illumination.Throughout this specification, the terms “camera” and “viewing element”are used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, a processing system is employed, wherein saidprocessing system includes a processor in operation with local or remotememory and other electronic components known to persons of ordinaryskill in the art.

In some embodiments, portions of the present invention may beimplemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a dataprocessor, for example, which is part of a general-purpose or customcomputer. In some embodiments, the data processor or computer comprisesvolatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or anon-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removablemedia, for storing instructions and/or data. In some embodiments,implementation includes a network connection. In some embodiments,implementation includes a user interface, generally comprising one ormore input devices (e.g., allowing input of commands and/or parameters)and output devices (e.g., allowing reporting parameters of operation andresults).

Multi-camera endoscope systems also include a multi-screen displayconfigured to display simultaneously a plurality of images captured bymore than one optical assembly. However, zooming in and magnifying animage by a predetermined percentage, which may be over about 30% forexample, while other images are displayed with a lower magnification onsuch multi-image display, may cause a loss of visual orientation andgenerally a visual fatigue and discomfort experience to the operator.Hence, according to aspects and embodiments of the presentspecification, the processor is configured to allow the operator tofocus only on the magnified image of interest obtained from one opticalassembly (which is a multi-focal optical assembly) by disabling otheroptical assemblies, the associated illumination and/or presentation ofimages obtained from the other optical assemblies or any combinationthereof.

Thus, in order to enable the operator to focus only on the magnifiedimage of interest obtained from a multi-focal optical assembly, theprocessor is configured to enable any one or a combination of thefollowing actions: a) switch off the other optical assemblies capturingthe lower magnification images while one or more illuminators associatedwith the other optical assemblies continue to stay switched on and thescreens displaying the lower magnification images also continue toremain switched on, b) switch off the one or more illuminatorsassociated with the other optical assemblies while the other opticalassemblies continue to capture and generate live images and/or video andthe screens displaying the lower magnification images also continue toremain switched on, and/or c) switch off, darken or blacken the screensdisplaying the lower magnification images while the other opticalassemblies continue to capture and generate live images and/or video andthe one or more illuminators associated with the other opticalassemblies also continue to stay switched on.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a cross section of amulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section, according to certainembodiments. Endoscope tip section 100 a includes a multi-focalfront-pointing optical assembly 101 positioned at a distal end of anendoscope, such as a colonoscope. Front-pointing optical assembly 101typically has a wide field of view of 170 degrees. The endoscope tipsection 100 a includes a first side-pointing optical assembly 102 and asecond side pointing optical assembly 103. The two side-pointing opticalassemblies 102 and 103 and the multi-focal front-pointing opticalassembly 101 are configured to provide an expanded field of view ofabout 330 degrees. In various embodiments, the first and secondside-pointing optical assemblies 102, 103 are positioned such that theiroptical axes are at a distance ranging between 6 mm and 10 mm from thedistal end of the endoscope. The front-pointing, first and secondside-pointing optical assemblies 101, 102, 103 each have a field of view(FOV) ranging between 150 to 170 degrees, in various embodiments.

While the multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly 101 is able todetect objects of interest, such as polyps, visible in the front fieldof view, side-pointing optical assemblies 102 and 103 are further ableto detect objects of interest, which may be hidden from thefront-pointing optical assembly 101, for example in inner side of foldsof a colon. According to some embodiments, a focal length of thefront-pointing optical assembly 101 is on the order of 1.1 mm while thatof the first and second side-pointing assemblies 102, 103 is on theorder of 1.0 mm.

The multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly 101 includes afront-pointing viewing element or camera having a front-pointing imagesensor 105 such as Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary MetalOxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The front-pointing image sensor105 has a lens assembly 107 mounted on top of it for providing thenecessary optics for receiving images. The lens assembly 107 includes aplurality of lenses, static or movable, which provide a field of view ofat least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees.

The front-pointing image sensor 105 is mounted on an integrated circuitboard 106, which may be rigid or flexible. The integrated circuit board106 supplies the front-pointing image sensor 105 with necessaryelectrical power, and derives still images and/or video feeds capturedby the image sensor 105. The integrated circuit board 106 is connectedto a set of electrical cables which are threaded through an electricalchannel running through an elongated shaft of the endoscope.

One or more discrete front illuminators 108 are placed next to the lensassembly 107, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discretefront illuminators 108 may be attached to the same integrated circuitboard 106 on which front-pointing image sensor 105 is mounted. Thus, insome embodiments, the multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly 101,includes at least a front-pointing viewing element which comprises lensassembly 107 and front-pointing image sensor 105, mounted on integratedcircuit board 106, and associated with at least one illuminator 108.

In one embodiment, the illuminators are optionally discrete illuminatorsand include a light-emitting diode (LED). Thus, light is provided bylight emitting diodes (LED) that illuminates the fields of view.According to some embodiments, white light LEDs are used. According toother embodiments, other colors of LEDs or any combination of LEDs maybe used, including but not limited to red, green, blue, infrared, nearinfrared and ultraviolet or any other LED.

The term “discrete”, concerning discrete illuminator, refers to anillumination source, which generates light internally, in contrast to anon-discrete illuminator, which may be, for example, a fiber opticmerely transmitting light generated remotely.

In some embodiments, the light may be generated internally within theendoscope tip section 100 a, or generated remotely and transferred, forexample, by a fiber optic. In some embodiments, two or more illuminatorsmay be employed, wherein at least one may generate the light internally,and at least one may provide remotely generated light.

According to some embodiments of the present specification, the lensassembly 107 includes two lenses 109 and 111 that are switcheddynamically by a processor, associated with the endoscope, in order toshift from a first working distance (associated with the first lens 109)to a second working distance (associated with the second lens 111) toincrease image magnification of an anomaly, such as a polyp for example,captured by the multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly 101 and itsassociated components.

According to aspects and embodiments of the present specification,shifting from the first working distance to the second working distanceallows for increased magnification and an improved image that can begenerated by the image sensor 105. Shifting to the second workingdistance allows using the lens 111 with improved modulation transferfunction (MTF) and aberration qualities adapted to a shorter depth offield (DOF) compared to the longer DOF of the first regular lens 109.For example, the first working distance and DOF of the first lens 109 isabout 3 to 100 millimeters (mm) while the second working distance andDOF of the second lens 111 is about 2 to 5 mm or about 2 to 7 mm. Theimaging performance provided by the second lens 111, adapted to shorterdistances, is superior at these short distances compared to the imagingperformance of the regular first lens 109, having typically 3 to 100 mmDOF, where a camera shutter is used to limit the field of view at shortdistances, thereby providing lower resolution and reduced lightintensity.

In various alternate embodiments, the first working distance is about 6to 70 mm, while the second working distance is about 2 to 4 mm.

In accordance with aspects of the present specification, the lensassembly 107 includes one or more actuation elements configured tocontrol optical elements included in the lens assembly 107. The one ormore actuation elements comprise a pneumatic engine, a piezoelectricelement, an electric engine, solenoid, a Nitinol engine or anycombination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the actuation elementscomprise at least one pneumatic engine. The optical elements compriselenses (such as lenses 109, 111), mirrors, diffraction elements or anycombination thereof.

In various embodiments, the actuation elements are triggered by theprocessor to push, move or pull lens 109 out of the optical path 110 andpush, move or pull lens 111 onto the optical path 110 such that theoptical path 110 that connects the line of sight from image sensor 105to a target pass through first lens 109 or second lens 111.

In accordance with various embodiments, the endoscope tip section 100 aincludes a first side-pointing image sensor 115, such as a CCD or a CMOSimage sensor. The first side-pointing image sensor 115 is mounted on anintegrated circuit board 116, which may be rigid or flexible. Theintegrated circuit board 116 supplies the first side-pointing imagesensor 115 with the necessary electrical power, and derives still imagesand/or video feeds captured by the image sensor 115. The integratedcircuit board 116 is connected to a set of electrical cables which arethreaded through an electrical channel running through the elongatedshaft of the endoscope.

The first side-pointing image sensor 115 has a lens assembly 117 mountedon top of it and providing the necessary optics for receiving images.The lens assembly 117 includes a plurality of lenses, static or movable,which provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up toessentially 180 degrees. The lens assembly 117 provides a workingdistance of about 5 to 100 millimeters, in one embodiment. In anotherembodiment, the lens assembly 117 provides a working distance of 2 to 5millimeters. The first side-pointing image sensor 115 and the lensassembly 117 are jointly referred to as a “first side-pointing viewingelement”.

One or more discrete side illuminators 118 are placed next to the lensassembly 117, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discretefront illuminators 118 may be attached to the same integrated circuitboard 116 on which the first side-pointing image sensor 115 is mounted.

Thus, in some embodiments, side-pointing viewing element which compriseslens assembly 117 and side-pointing image sensor 115, mounted onintegrated circuit board 116, and associated with at least oneilluminator 118 forms a first side-pointing optical assembly.

In another configuration, the integrated circuit boards 106 and 116 areconfigured as a single integrated circuit board on which both the frontand the first side-pointing image sensors 105 and 115 are mounted. Forthis purpose, the integrated circuit board is essentially L-shaped.

In some embodiments, the endoscope tip section 100 a includes a secondside-pointing image sensor 125, such as a CCD or a CMOS image sensor.Side-pointing image sensor 125 is mounted on an integrated circuit board126, which may be rigid or flexible. Integrated circuit board 126supplies the side-pointing image sensor 125 with the necessaryelectrical power, and derives still images and/or video feeds capturedby the image sensor 125. The integrated circuit board 126 is connectedto a set of electrical cables which are threaded through an electricalchannel running through the elongated shaft of the endoscope.

The side-pointing image sensor 125 has a lens assembly 127 mounted ontop of it and providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Lensassembly 127 includes a plurality of lenses, static or movable, whichprovide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180degrees. The lens assembly 127 provides a working distance of about 2 to5 millimeters, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the lensassembly 117 provides a working distance of 3 to 40 millimeters. Theside-pointing image sensor 125 and the lens assembly 127, are jointlyreferred to as a “second side-pointing viewing element”.

One or more discrete side illuminators 128 are placed next to the lensassembly 127, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discretefront illuminators 128 may be attached to the same integrated circuitboard 126 on which side-pointing image sensor 125 is mounted.

Thus, in some embodiments, the second side-pointing viewing elementwhich comprises lens assembly 127 and side-pointing image sensor 125,mounted on integrated circuit board 126, and associated with at leastone illuminator 128 forms a side-pointing optical assembly.

In another configuration, integrated circuit boards 106, 116 and 126 areconfigured as a single integrated circuit board on which both front andside-pointing image sensors 105, 115 and 125 are mounted. For thispurpose, the integrated circuit board is essentially an inverted upsidedown “U” shape.

For simplicity of presentation, FIG. 1 only shows the viewing elements,associated components and illuminators (optical assemblies) of the multifocus, multiple viewing element endoscope tip section 100 a. It isunderstood that endoscope tip section 100 a may include one or moreworking channels, to enable insertion of multiple surgical toolssimultaneously. Similarly, endoscope tip section 100 a may include oneor more fluid channels, such as for separately feeding at least one of afront fluid injector, a side fluid injector and/or a pathway fluidinjector, as well as for separately providing suction through thepathway fluid injector. Endoscope tip section 100 a may include one ormore electrical cables threaded through an elongated shaft and/or abending section for controlling the endoscope's cameras andilluminators.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows a cross section of a multifocal, multi-camera endoscope tip section 100 b having two frontpointing viewing elements and thus, optical assemblies, according tocertain embodiments. Endoscope tip section 100 b includes first andsecond front-pointing optical assemblies, 101A and 101B, also referredto together as a ‘composite multi-focal optical assembly’ which arepositioned at a distal end of an endoscope, such as a colonoscope. Theendoscope tip section 100 b includes a first side-pointing opticalassembly 102 and a second side pointing optical assembly 103. In variousembodiments, the first and second side-pointing optical assemblies 102,103 are positioned such that their optical axes are at a distanceranging between 6 mm and 10 mm from the distal end of the endoscope. Thefront-pointing optical assemblies 101A, 101B and the first and secondside-pointing optical assemblies 102, 103 each have a field of view(FOV) ranging between 150 to 170 degrees, in various embodiments.

Front-pointing optical assembly 101A includes a first front-pointingviewing element having a front-pointing image sensor 105. Front-pointingimage sensor 105 has a lens assembly 107 mounted on top of it andproviding the necessary optics for receiving images. Lens assembly 107includes a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which provide a fieldof view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Lensassembly 107 provides a first working distance of about 5 to 100millimeters.

Front-pointing image sensor 105 is mounted on a first integrated circuitboard 106.

Front-pointing image sensor 105 and lens assembly 107, when coupled tointegrated circuit board 106, are jointly referred to as a “firstfront-pointing optical assembly”.

Front-pointing optical assembly 101B includes a second front-pointingviewing element having a front-pointing image sensor 135. Front-pointingimage sensor 135 has a lens assembly 137 mounted on top of it andproviding the necessary optics for receiving images. Lens assembly 137includes a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which provide a fieldof view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Lensassembly 137 provides a second working distance of about 2 to 5millimeters.

Front-pointing image sensor 135 is mounted on a second integratedcircuit board 136.

Front-pointing image sensor 135 and lens assembly 137, when coupled tointegrated circuit board 136, are jointly referred to as a “secondfront-pointing optical assembly”.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first front-pointing opticalassembly 101A is a default endoscope front-pointing viewing element thatincludes image sensor 105 and lens assembly 107 having lens 109providing the first working distance of 5 to 100 millimeters. Lens 109is used during endoscopic procedures in order to navigate endoscope tipsection 100 b in patients' colons, for example, and is configured toidentify anomalies or objects of interest, such as polyps, fromrelatively long distance and with relatively low magnification. One ormore discrete illuminators 108A are placed next to lens assembly 107,for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discrete frontilluminators 108A are attached to the same integrated circuit board 106on which the front-pointing image sensor 105 is mounted.

The second front-pointing optical assembly 101B is an increasedmagnification camera that includes image sensor 135 and lens assembly137 having lens 131 providing the second working distance of 3 to 6millimeters. Lens 131 is configured to increase magnification of theidentified object of interest. One or more discrete illuminators 108Bare placed next to lens assembly 137, for illuminating its field ofview. Optionally, discrete front illuminators 108B are attached to thesame integrated circuit board 136 on which front-pointing image sensor135 is mounted.

The endoscope tip section 100 b includes, in accordance with certainembodiments, a first side-pointing optical assembly 102 comprising alens assembly 117 mounted on an image sensor 115 which is in turnmounted on an integrated circuit board 116. The first side-pointingoptical assembly 102 also has one or more associated discreteilluminators 118. The endoscope tip section 100 also includes, invarious embodiments, a second side-pointing optical assembly 103comprising a lens assembly 127 mounted on an image sensor 125 which isin turn mounted on an integrated circuit board 126. The secondside-pointing optical assembly 103 has one or more associated discreteilluminators 128. According to some embodiments, a focal length of thefront-pointing optical assemblies 101A, 101B is on or about the order of1.1 mm while that of the first and second side-pointing assemblies 102,103 is on or about the order of 1.0 mm.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1, 2 along with FIGS. 3A through 3C,which illustrate exemplary content displayable on a multi-focal,multi-camera endoscope display system 300, according to certainembodiments. The endoscope display system 300 includes a front viewscreen 301 used to display images captured by the front-pointing opticalassembly 101 of FIG. 1 or by the optical assembly 101A of FIG. 2(depending upon whether the edoscope tip section 100 a or 100 b is beingused), a first side-pointing screen 303 used to display images capturedby the first side pointing optical assembly 102, shown in FIGS. 1, 2,and a second side-pointing screen 305 used to display images captured bythe second side-pointing optical assembly 103, shown in FIGS. 1, 2.Thus, it should be understood that if the endoscope tip section 100 a ofFIG. 1 is used, the front view screen 301 will display the imagescaptured by the front-pointing optical assembly 101 while theside-pointing screens 303, 305 will respectively display the imagescaptured by the first and second side-pointing optical assemblies 102,103 shown in FIG. 1. Alternately, if the endoscope tip section 100 b ofFIG. 2 is used, the front view screen 301 will, by default, display theimages captured by the front-pointing optical assembly 101A while theside-pointing screens 303, 305 will respectively display the imagescaptured by the first and second side-pointing optical assemblies 102,103 shown in FIG. 2.

Thus, screens 301, 303 and 305 are configured to display simultaneouslythe field of views captured by multi-camera endoscope tip section 100 aor 100 b, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, providing expanded, 330 degrees of fieldof view, and allowing a clinician to navigate the endoscope tip sectionthrough the interrogated regions conveniently, to identify and treatobjects of interest or anomalies.

FIG. 3A shows typical front and side view images of a colon 307, colonfolds 309 and an object of interest that may be a polyp 311 shown onfront view screen 301. Polyp 311 may also be captured by theside-pointing viewing element 102 from a side viewing angle and is shownon side view screen 305 marked as polyp 311′. In operation, an operatoradvances endoscope tip section 100 a (or 100 b of FIG. 2) within a bodycavity, such as a colon, while viewing images (commonly a video feed)transmitted by the optical assemblies 101, 102 and 103 of FIG. 1 (oroptical assemblies 101A, 102 and 103 of FIG. 2). Upon discovery of anobject of interest, such as polyp 311, on a wall of colon 307 forexample, the operator may further advance the multi-camera endoscope tipsection 100 a (or 100 b of FIG. 2) to the vicinity of the polyp 311.After advancing the endoscope tip section 100 a (or 100 b of FIG. 2) toan “optimal distance” from the colon (or any body cavity) wall/polyp/anyother point of interest, the operator may obtain a magnified objectimage 320 using the second working distance lens 111 of FIG. 1 (whenusing the endoscope tip section 100 a of FIG. 1) or the secondfront-pointing optical assembly 101B (when using the endoscope tipsection 100 b of FIG. 2).

According to some embodiments, the “optimal distance” is determined bythe operator, or is determined by a spacer/distance determining memberin various embodiments. According to some embodiments, the “optimaldistance” is, for example, 2-4 millimeters from the colon (or any bodycavity) wall/polyp/any other point of interest. According to themagnified image 311″ of the polyp 311, the operator may decide to inserta surgical tool through a working channel of the endoscope to remove,treat and/or extract a sample of the polyp 311 or its entirety forbiopsy.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3B, which shows the magnified image 311″on the front view screen 301. Polyp 311 is shown magnifiedsignificantly, occupying a larger screen area of the front view screen301. Magnification of the side view screens 303, 305 is not changed andpolyp 311′ is still shown on the side view screen 305 with defaultmagnification. However, zooming in and magnifying the polyp 311, byabout 30% or more for example, on the front view screen 301, while theside view screen images 303 and 305 are displayed with defaultmagnification, may cause a loss of visual orientation and generallyvisual fatigue and discomfort to the operator.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3C, which shows a magnified image 311″ onthe front view screen 301 and disabled, blackened and/or darkened sideview screens 303 and 305. Polyp 311 is shown magnified significantly, asimage 311″, and occupying a large screen area of the front view screen301 while the two side view screens 303 and 305 are disabled, darkenedand/or blackened. Disabling, darkening and/or blackening the side viewscreens 303 and 305 allows the operator to interrogate the magnifiedpolyp image 311″ with no visual disturbances or distractions.

While zooming in and magnifying an image of an object of interest, suchas that of the polyp 311, using increased magnification lens 111 of FIG.1 (when using the endoscope tip section 100 a of FIG. 1) or the secondfront-pointing optical assembly 101B (when using the endoscope tipsection 100 b of FIG. 2), according to aspects and embodiments of thepresent specification, a processor is configured to enable any one or acombination of the following: a) disable the side pointing opticalassemblies (102 and 103 of FIGS. 1, 2) such as by cutting off orreducing their power supply, while the side pointing illuminators (118,128—associated with the side pointing optical assemblies 102 and 103 ofFIG. 1, 2) continue to stay switched on and the two side pointingscreens or monitors (303 and 305) also continue to be switched on, b)switch off or reduce the illumination intensity of the side pointingilluminators (118, 128 of FIGS. 1, 2) associated with the side pointingoptical assemblies while the side pointing optical assemblies continueto capture live images and/or video streams and the two side viewscreens (303 and 305) also continue to be switched on, and/or c)terminate the presentation of the side pointing screens or monitors (303and 305) obtained from the side pointing optical assemblies on the twoside pointing screens (303 and 305) by switching off, darkening orblackening of the two side pointing screens while the side pointingoptical assemblies (102, 103 of FIGS. 1, 2) continue to capture liveimages and/or video streams and the illuminators (118, 128 of FIGS. 1,2) associated with the side pointing optical assemblies also continue toremain switched on.

Also in one embodiment, the disabling of the side pointing opticalassemblies, associated illuminators and/or switching off, blackening ordarkening of the two side pointing screens is automatically enabled bythe processor when the increased magnification lens 111 of FIG. 1 (whenusing the endoscope tip section 100 a of FIG. 1) or the secondfront-pointing optical assembly 101B (when using the endoscope tipsection 100 b of FIG. 2) is enabled for magnified viewing of the objectof interest. In another embodiment, the operator manually enables, suchas by manipulating one or more switches on the handle of the endoscope,any one or combination of disabling of the side pointing opticalassemblies, associated illuminators and/or switching off, blackening ordarkening of the two side pointing screens, when the increasedmagnification lens 111 of FIG. 1 (when using the endoscope tip section100 a of FIG. 1) or the second front-pointing optical assembly 101B(when using the endoscope tip section 100 b of FIG. 2) is enabled formagnified viewing of the object of interest.

With reference to FIG. 2, according to aspects and embodiments of thepresent specification, the processor is configured to turn on, forzooming in, front pointing optical assembly 101B, to turn off frontpointing optical assembly 101A, to turn off the illumination associatedwith the front pointing optical assembly 101A (that is, turning off theone or more illuminators 108A for example) and to display the magnifiedimage captured by the front pointing optical assembly 101B replacing theimage captured by the front pointing optical assembly 101A on the frontview screen 301. The processor is further configured to enable any oneor a combination of the following: a) turn off, for zooming in, the sidepointing optical assemblies 102 and 103 while the associatedilluminators 118, 128 stay switched on and the side pointing screens303, 305 also continue to be switched on, b) switch off the sidepointing illuminators 118 and 128 associated with the side pointingoptical assemblies 102 and 103 while the side pointing opticalassemblies 102, 103 continue to capture live image and/or video streamsand the side pointing screens 303, 305 also continue to be switched onand/or c) switch off, darken or blacken the presentation of the sidepointing screens 303 and 305 while the side pointing optical assemblies102, 103 continue to campture live image and/or video streams and theside pointing illuminators 118, 128 also continue to stay switched on.

Also in one embodiment, the disabling of the side pointing opticalassemblies, associated illuminators and/or switching off, blackening ordarkening of the two side pointing screens is automatically enabled bythe processor when when using the second front-pointing optical assembly101B is enabled for magnified viewing of the object of interest. Inanother embodiment, the operator manually enables, such as bymanipulating one or more switches on the handle of the endoscope, anyone or combination of disabling of the side pointing optical assemblies,associated illuminators and/or switching off, blackening or darkening ofthe two side pointing screens, when the second front-pointing opticalassembly 101B is enabled for magnified viewing of the object ofinterest.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows a perspective view of amulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section 400 comprising one ormore distance determining members or spacers. The endoscope tip section400 includes a front-pointing optical assembly 401, associated with oneor more front-pointing illuminators 402, a working channel 403, a fluidinjection channel 404, a fluid injection channel 405 for cleaning theoptical assembly 401 and illuminators 402, a side-pointing opticalassembly 411 which is associated with one or more side-pointingilluminators 412.

In accordance with an embodiment, the endoscope tip section 400 includesone or more, preferably three or more, distance determining members orspacers 415, 416 and 417 configured to contact an inner wall of a bodycavity, such as that of a colon for example, and fix or maintain thedistance between the optical assembly 401 and the inner wall of thecolon. In various embodiments, the three or more distance determiningmembers 415, 416 and 417 are one or more spacers, protuberances,protrusions or projections that are fixedly mounted on the distal end420 of the tip section 400 or retractably pulled out of the endoscopetip section 400, when needed.

In accordance with various embodiments, a protruding length of the threeor more distance determining members 415, 416 and 417, beyond the distalend 420, approximately matches the second working distance of themagnifying second lens 111 of FIG. 1 or that of the secondfront-pointing optical assembly 101B of FIG. 2. Thus, in variousembodiments, the protruding length of the three or more distancedetermining members or spacers 415, 416 and 417 ranges from 3 to 7 mm.In some embodiments, the protruding length of the three or more distancedetermining members or spacers 415, 416 and 417 ranges between 1.5 to 7mm. In one embodiment, the protruding length of the three or moredistance determining members or spacers 415, 416 and 417 is limited to 2mm to ensure that the field of view of the optical assembly 401 is notdistorted by the spacers 415, 416 and 417. In certain embodiments wherethe distance determining members 415, 416 and 417 can be retractablypulled out of the distal end 420, the protruding length of the distancedetermining members 415, 416 and 417 can be dynamically varied in orderto match the second working distance. In various embodiments, the threeor more distance determining members 415, 416, 417 are spaced from eachother such that a distance between any two of the distance determiningmembers ranges between 8 to 10 mm.

According to some embodiments, the distance determining members areconfigured to provide distance determination or spacing of approximately4 mm. According to some embodiments, the distance determining membersare configured to provide distance determination of more than 5 mm.According to other embodiments, the distance determining members areconfigured to controllably provide distance determination for more thanone distance ranging between 3 mm and 12 mm. According to still otherembodiments, the distance determining members are configured tocontrollably provide distance determining for more than one distanceranging between 4 mm and 6 mm. According to various embodiments, thedistance determining members are configured to provide dynamic distancedetermination according to the working distance.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a plurality of exemplary steps of amethod 500 of obtaining a magnified view of an area or object ofinterest within a body cavity, such as a colon, using a multi focal,multi-camera endoscope tip section of an endoscope, such as acolonoscope. A processor, associated with the endoscope, is configuredto implement the method 500. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, at step510 a multi focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section, such as the tipsection 100 a or 100 b, is navigated into a patient's colon in a firstmode of operation of at least one multi-focal front-pointing opticalassembly (that is, the front-pointing optical assembly 101 of the tipsection 100 a or the first front-pointing optical assembly 101A of thetip section 100 b) to identify an anomaly, area or object ofinterest—such as a polyp. During the first mode of operation the atleast one multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly obtains imagesand/or videos of the colon at a first working distance. The at least onemulti-focal front-pointing optical assembly is enabled to function atthe first working distance using a first lens 109 or a firstfront-pointing optical assembly 101A (while the second front-pointingoptical assembly 101B is disabled) depending upon whether the endoscopetip section 100 a or 100 b is being used. In one embodiment, theendoscope tip section is operated in the first mode, by default.

The images and/or videos obtained from the at least one multi-focalfront-pointing optical assembly, in the first mode of operation, aredisplayed on a front view screen along with an identified anomaly, whilethe images and/or videos obtained from a first and a secondside-pointing optical assemblies are displayed respectively oncorresponding first and second side-pointing screens. It should beappreciated that the identified anomaly visible on the front viewscreen, as captured by the at least one multi-focal front-pointingoptical assembly, may also be simultaneously displayed on at least oneof the first or second side-pointing screens as captured in anoverlapping field of view of at least one of the first or secondside-pointing optical assemblies. In various embodiments, during thefirst mode of operation a magnification of 100×-6× of the captured imageof the anomaly is enabled for the first working distance.

At step 520, the processor enables the at least one multi-focalfront-pointing optical assembly to function in a second mode ofoperation in order to obtain and display a magnified image, comprisingthe identified anomaly, on the front view screen. During the second modeof operation the at least one multi-focal front-pointing opticalassembly obtains the magnified image at a second working distance. Theat least one multi-focal front-pointing optical assembly is enabled tofunction at the second working distance by switching to using a secondlens 111 or by activating a second front-pointing optical assembly 101B(while simultaneously disabling the first front-pointing opticalassembly 101A) depending upon whether the endoscope tip section 100 a or100 b is being used. In various embodiments, during the second mode ofoperation the enabled magnification of the captured image of the anomalyranges between 250×-100× for the second working distance.

In accordance with an embodiment, a distance between the at least onemulti-focal front-pointing optical assembly and the identified anomalyor object of interest is maintained by pulling or deploying one or moredistance determining members, such as the members 415, 416 and 417 ofFIG. 4, out of a distal end of the endoscope tip section and advancingthe tip section until the one or more distance determining memberscontact the anomaly or the inner wall of the colon thereby maintainingthe distance to approximately the second working distance. In thisembodiment, a length of the distance determining members can be variedby retracting or deploying them partially or fully. In otherembodiments, the distance determining members are affixed to the distalend and are of a fixed length approximately matching the second workingdistance. Operationally, this structure has the benefit of ensuring aminimum distance is kept between the endoscope camera(s) and tissuebeing observed.

At step 530, when the magnification of the magnified image on the frontview screen is over a predetermined percentage, the processor enablesany one or a combination of the following: a) turns off or disables thefirst and second side-pointing optical assemblies while the illuminatorsassociated with the first and second side-pointing optical assembliesstay switched on and the first and second side pointing screens alsocontinue to be switched on, b) switch off the side illuminatorsassociated with the first and second side-pointing optical assemblieswhile the first and second side-pointing optical assemblies continue tocapture and generate live images and/or video streams and the first andsecond side pointing screens also continue to be switched on, and/or c)switch off, blacken or darken presentation of the images and/or videoson the first and second side-pointing screens while the first and secondside-pointing optical assemblies continue to capture and generate liveimages and/or video streams and the illuminators associated with thefirst and second side-pointing optical assemblies also continue to stayswitched on. In some embodiments, the predetermined magnificationpercentage is about 30% or more.

If required, a surgical tool may be inserted through a working channelof the endoscope in order to remove, treat and/or extract a sample ofthe anomaly or object of interest or its entirety for biopsy, whileviewing the magnified image.

In accordance with an embodiment, actuating a button or switch on ahandle of the endoscope prompts the processor to switch the endoscopetip section from the first mode of operation to the second mode ofoperation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6A, which shows a cross-section of amulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section, according to certainembodiments. Endoscope tip section 600 a includes a front-pointingoptical assembly 601 that is positioned at a distal end of an endoscope,such as a colonoscope. The front-pointing optical assembly 601 typicallyhas a wide field of view of 170 degrees. The endoscope tip section 600 aincludes a first multi-focal side-pointing optical assembly 602 and asecond side-pointing optical assembly 603. The two side-pointing opticalassemblies 602 and 603 and front-pointing optical assembly 601 areconfigured to provide an expanded field of view of about 330 degrees. Invarious embodiments, the first and second side-pointing opticalassemblies 602, 603 are positioned such that their optical axes are at adistance ranging between 6 mm and 10 mm from the distal end of theendoscope. The front-pointing, first and second side-pointing opticalassemblies 601, 602, 603 each have a field of view (FOV) ranging between150 to 170 degrees, in various embodiments.

While the front-pointing optical assembly 601 is able to detect objectsof interest, such as polyps, visible in the front field of view,side-pointing optical assemblies 602 and 603 are further able to detectobjects of interest, which may be hidden from the front-pointing opticalassembly 601, for example within the inner sides of the folds of acolon. According to some embodiments, a focal length of thefront-pointing optical assembly 601 is on the order of 1.1 mm while thatof the first and second side-pointing assemblies 602, 603 is on theorder of 1.0 mm.

The front-pointing optical assembly 601 includes a front-pointingviewing element or camera having a front-pointing image sensor 605 suchas Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal OxideSemiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The front-pointing image sensor 605has a lens assembly 607 mounted on top of it to provide the necessaryoptics for receiving images. The lens assembly 607 includes a pluralityof lenses, static or movable, which provide a field of view of at least90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees.

The front-pointing image sensor 605 is mounted on an integrated circuitboard 106, which may be rigid or flexible. The integrated circuit board606 supplies the front-pointing image sensor 605 with the necessaryelectrical power, and derives still images and/or video feeds capturedby the image sensor 605. The integrated circuit board 606 is connectedto a set of electrical cables which are threaded through an electricalchannel running through an elongated shaft of the endoscope.

One or more discrete front illuminators 608 are placed next to the lensassembly 607, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discretefront illuminators 608 may be attached to the same integrated circuitboard 606 on which the front-pointing image sensor 605 is mounted. Thus,in some embodiments, the front-pointing optical assembly 601 includes atleast a front pointing-viewing element which comprises lens assembly 107and front-pointing image sensor 105, mounted on integrated circuit board106, and associated with at least one illuminator 608.

In one embodiment, the illuminators are optionally discrete illuminatorsand include a light-emitting diode (LED). Thus, light is provided bylight emitting diodes (LED) that illuminates the fields of view.According to some embodiments, white light LEDs are used. According toother embodiments, other colors of LEDs or any combination of LEDs maybe used, including but not limited to red, green, blue, infrared, nearinfrared and ultraviolet or any other LED.

In some embodiments, light may be generated internally within theendoscope tip section 600 a, or generated remotely and transferred, forexample, by a fiber optic. In some embodiments, two or more illuminatorsmay be employed, wherein at least one may generate the light internally,and at least one may provide remotely generated light.

In accordance with various embodiments, the endoscope tip section 600 aincludes a first side-pointing image sensor 615, such as CCD or a CMOSimage sensor. The first side-pointing image sensor 615 is mounted on anintegrated circuit board 616, which may be rigid or flexible. Theintegrated circuit board 616 supplies the first side-pointing imagesensor 615 with the necessary electrical power, and derives still imagesand/or video feeds captured by the image sensor 615. The integratedcircuit board 616 is connected to a set of electrical cables which arethreaded through an electrical channel running through the elongatedshaft of the endoscope.

The first side-pointing image sensor 615 has a lens assembly 617 mountedon top of it for providing the necessary optics for receiving images.The lens assembly 617 includes a plurality of lenses, static or movable,which provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up toessentially 180 degrees. The lens assembly 617 provides a workingdistance of about 2 to 40 millimeters, in one embodiment. In anotherembodiment, the lens assembly 617 provides a working distance of 2 to 6millimeters. The first side-pointing image sensor 615 and the lensassembly 617, are jointly referred to as a “first side-pointing viewingelement”.

One or more discrete side illuminators 618 are placed next to the lensassembly 617, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discretefront illuminators 618 may be attached to the same integrated circuitboard 616 on which the first side-pointing image sensor 615 is mounted.

Thus, in some embodiments, side-pointing viewing element which compriseslens assembly 617 and first side-pointing image sensor 615, mounted onintegrated circuit board 616, and associated with at least oneilluminator 618 forms a first side-pointing optical assembly.

In another configuration, the integrated circuit boards 606 and 616 maybe a single integrated circuit board on which both the front and thefirst side-pointing image sensors 605 and 615 may be mounted. For thispurpose, the integrated circuit board may be essentially L-shaped.

According to some embodiments of the present specification, the lensassembly 617 includes two lenses 609 and 611 that are switcheddynamically by the processor in order to shift from a first workingdistance (associated with the first lens 609) to a second workingdistance (associated with the second lens 611) to increase imagemagnification of an anomaly or object of interest, such as, for example,a polyp, captured by the first multi-focal side-pointing opticalassembly 602 and associated components.

According to aspects and embodiments of the present specification,shifting from the first working distance to the second working distanceallows for increased magnification and an improved image that can begenerated by the image sensor 615. Shifting to the second workingdistance allows using the lens 611 with improved modulation transferfunction (MTF) and aberration qualities adapted to a shorter depth offield (DOF) compared to the longer DOF of the first regular lens 609.For example, in one embodiment, the lens assembly 617 provides a firstworking distance of about 20 millimeters provided by the lens 609 and asecond working distance of about 5 millimeters provided by the lens 611.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the lens assembly 617 provides afirst working distance of about 10 millimeters provided by the lens 609and a second working distance of about 2 millimeters provided by thelens 611. It should be appreciated that the lens assembly 617 mayprovide other lenses with other working distances, typically in therange of 2 to 40 millimeters, and such lenses are within the scope ofthe present specification.

In accordance with an aspect of the present specification, the lensassembly 617 includes one or more actuation elements configured tocontrol optical elements included in the lens assembly 617. The one ormore actuation elements comprise a piezoelectric element, an electricengine, solenoid, a Nitinol engine or any combination thereof. In apreferred embodiment, the actuation elements comprise at least onepneumatic engine. The optical elements comprise lenses (such as lenses609, 611), mirrors, diffraction elements or any combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the actuation elements are triggered by theprocessor to push, move or pull the lens 609 out of the optical path 610and push, move or pull the lens 611 onto the optical path 610 such thatthe optical path that connects the line of sight from the image sensor615 to an anomaly or object of interest passes through the first lens609 or the second lens 611. In some embodiments, the endoscope tipsection 600 a includes a second side-pointing image sensor 625, such asa CCD or a CMOS image sensor. The second side-pointing image sensor 625is mounted on an integrated circuit board 626, which may be rigid orflexible. The integrated circuit board 626 supplies the secondside-pointing image sensor 625 with the necessary electrical power, andderives still images and/or video feeds captured by the image sensor625. The integrated circuit board 626 is connected to a set ofelectrical cables which are threaded through an electrical channelrunning through the elongated shaft of the endoscope.

The second side-pointing image sensor 625 has a lens assembly 627mounted on top of it for providing the necessary optics for receivingimages. The lens assembly 627 includes a plurality of lenses, static ormovable, which provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up toessentially 180 degrees. The lens assembly 627 provides a workingdistance of about 2 to 6 millimeters, in one embodiment. In anotherembodiment, the lens assembly 627 provides a working distance of 2 to 40millimeters. The second side-pointing image sensor 625 and the lensassembly 627 are jointly referred to as a “second side-pointing viewingelement”.

One or more discrete side illuminators 628 are placed next to the lensassembly 627, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, thediscrete front illuminators 628 may be attached to the same integratedcircuit board 626 on which the side-pointing image sensor 625 ismounted.

Thus, in some embodiments, the second side pointing-viewing elementwhich comprises lens assembly 627 and side-pointing image sensor 625,mounted on integrated circuit board 626, and associated with at leastone illuminator 628 forms a second side-pointing optical assembly.

In another configuration, the integrated circuit boards 606, 616 and 626are configured as a single integrated circuit board on which both frontand side-pointing image sensors 605, 615 and 625 are mounted. For thispurpose, the integrated circuit board is essentially an inverted upsidedown U-shape.

In certain embodiments, the lens assembly 627 may also be a multi-focal(dual focus, for example) lens assembly similar to the lens assembly 617described hereinabove that includes two lenses (such as the first lens609 and the second lens 611) that may also be switched dynamically bythe processor in order to shift from a first working distance to asecond working distance to increase magnification of an image of anobject of interest captured by the second side-pointing optical assembly603.

Optionally and additionally, one or more lens assemblies, describedherein above, may further include an autofocus zoom system, an opticalzoom system and/or a digital zoom system.

For simplicity of presentation, FIG. 6A only shows the viewing elements,associated components, and illuminators (together, optical assemblies)of the multi-focal, multi viewing element endoscope tip section 600 a.It is understood that endoscope tip section 600 a may include one ormore working channels that enable the insertion of multiple surgicaltools simultaneously. Similarly, endoscope tip section 600 a may includeone or more fluid channels, such as for separately feeding at least oneof a front fluid injector, a side fluid injector and/or a pathway fluidinjector, as well as for separately providing suction through thepathway fluid injector. The endoscope tip section 600 a may also includeone or more electrical cables threaded through an elongated shaft and/ora bending section for controlling the endoscope's cameras andilluminators.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6B, which shows a cross section ofmulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section 600 b comprising twofirst side-pointing viewing elements, and thus optical assemblies,according to certain embodiments. The endoscope tip section 600 bincludes two first side-pointing optical assemblies 602A and 602B,together referred to as a ‘composite multi-focal optical assembly’,having their field of views directed towards a first side of a distalend of an endoscope, such as a colonoscope. In some embodiments, theendoscope tip section 600 b may also include an additional side-pointingoptical assembly 603 pointing at an opposing second side relative to thefirst side.

The first side-pointing first viewing element 602A includes aside-pointing image sensor 615 having a lens assembly 617 mounted on topof it for providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Theside-pointing image sensor 615 is mounted on an integrated circuit board616. The lens assembly 617 includes a plurality of lenses, static ormovable, which provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up toessentially 180 degrees. The lens assembly 617 provides a workingdistance of about of about 4 to 40 millimeters, in one embodiment. Inanother embodiment, the lens assembly 617 provides a working distance of2 to 5 millimeters. The side-pointing image sensor 615 and the lensassembly 617 when coupled to the integrated circuit board 616 andassociated with at least one illuminator 618A, are jointly referred toas a “first side-pointing first optical assembly”.

The first side-pointing second viewing element 602B includes aside-pointing image sensor 635 having a lens assembly 637 mounted on topof it and providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Theside-pointing image sensor 635 is mounted on an integrated circuit board636. The lens assembly 637 includes a plurality of lenses, static ormovable, which provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up toessentially 180 degrees. The lens assembly 637 provides a workingdistance of about 2 to 5 millimeters, in one embodiment. In anotherembodiment, the lens assembly 637 provides a working distance of 3 to 6millimeters. The side-pointing image sensor 635 and the lens assembly637, when coupled to the integrated circuit board 636 and associatedwith at least one illuminator 618B, are jointly referred to as a “firstside-pointing second optical assembly”.

In accordance with an embodiment the first side-pointing first viewingelement 602A is a default viewing element for the first side thatincludes the image sensor 615 and the lens assembly 617 having a lens619 providing a first working distance of 2 to 40 millimeters. The lens619 is used during endoscopic procedures in order to navigate theendoscope tip section 600 b in patients' colons, for example, and isconfigured to identify objects of interest from relatively long distanceand with relatively low magnification. One or more discrete illuminators618A are placed next to the lens assembly 617, for illuminating itsfield of view. Optionally, discrete side illuminators 618A are attachedto the same integrated circuit board 616 on which the side-pointingimage sensor 615 is mounted.

The first side-pointing second viewing element 602B is an increasedmagnification camera that includes image sensor 635 and lens assembly637 having lens 631 for providing a second working distance of 2 to 6millimeters. The lens 631 is configured to increase magnification of theidentified object of interest. One or more discrete illuminators 618Bare placed next to the lens assembly 637, for illuminating its field ofview. Optionally, discrete side illuminators 618B are attached to thesame integrated circuit board 636 on which the side-pointing imagesensor 635 is mounted.

The endoscope tip section 600 b includes, in accordance with certainembodiments, a front-pointing optical assembly 601 comprising a lensassembly 607 mounted on an image sensor 605 which is in turn mounted onan integrated circuit board 606. The front-pointing optical assembly 601also has one or more associated discrete illuminators 608. The endoscopetip section 600 b also includes, in various embodiments, a secondside-pointing optical assembly 603 comprising a lens assembly 627mounted on an image sensor 625 which is in turn mounted on an integratedcircuit board 626. The second side-pointing optical assembly 603 has oneor more associated discrete illuminators 628. In various embodiments,the first and second side-pointing optical assemblies 602A, 603 arepositioned such that their optical axes are at a distance rangingbetween 6 mm and 10 mm from the distal end of the endoscope. The firstside-pointing optical assemblies 602A, 602B and the front-pointing andsecond side-pointing optical assemblies 601, 603 each have a field ofview (FOV) ranging between 150 to 170 degrees, in various embodiments.

Optionally, in additional embodiments, the optical assembly 603 may alsoinclude two second side-pointing optical assemblies similar to the firstside-pointing first optical assembly 602A and the first side-pointingsecond optical assembly 602B described herein above. According to someembodiments, a focal length of the front-pointing optical assembly 601is on the order of 1.1 mm while that of the first and secondside-pointing assemblies 602 (602A, 602B), 603 is on the order of 1.0mm.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B along with FIGS. 7A through 7C,which illustrate exemplary content displayable on a multi-focal,multi-camera endoscope display system 700, according to certainembodiments. The endoscope display system 700 comprises a front viewscreen 701 used to display images captured by the front-pointing opticalassembly 601 shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, a first side-view screen 703 used todisplay images captured by the first side-pointing optical assembly 602of FIG. 6A or the first side-pointing first optical assembly 602A ofFIG. 6B (depending upon whether the endoscope tip section 600 a or 600 bis being used), and a second side-view screen 705 used to display imagescaptured by the second side-pointing optical assembly 703, shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B. Thus, it should be understood that if the endoscope tipsection 600 a of FIG. 6A is used, the front view screen 701 will displaythe images captured by the front-pointing optical assembly 601 while theside-pointing screens 703, 705 will respectively display the imagescaptured by the first and second side-pointing optical assemblies 602,603 shown in FIG. 6A. Alternately, if the endoscope tip section 600 b ofFIG. 6B is used, the front view screen 701 will display the imagescaptured by the front-pointing optical assembly 601 while theside-pointing screens 703, 705 will respectively display the imagescaptured by the first side-pointing first optical assembly 602A, bydefault, and the second side-pointing optical assemblies 603 shown inFIG. 6B.

Thus, the screens 701, 703 and 705 are configured to simultaneouslydisplay the field of views captured by the multi-camera endoscope tipsection 600 a or 600 b, shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, providing an expanded,330 degrees field of view, and allowing a clinician to navigate theendoscope tip section through the interrogated regions conveniently, toidentify and treat objects of interest or anomalies.

FIG. 7A, shows typical front and side view images of a colon 707, colonfolds 709 and an object of interest, such as a polyp 711, captured bythe first side-pointing optical assembly 602 or the first side-pointingfirst optical assembly 602A (depending upon whether the endoscope tipsection 600 a or 600 b is being used), and which is shown on the firstside view screen 703. An exploded view of the first side view screen703, displaying a magnified image 720 is shown comprising a magnifiedimage of the polyp 311 and marked therein as 711″.

During an endoscopic procedure, when the endoscope tip section 600 a or600 b is used within a body cavity such as a colon, the clinician oroperator advances the endoscope tip section 600 a (or 600 b) whileviewing images (commonly a video feed) transmitted by the opticalassemblies 601, 602 and 603 shown in FIG. 6A (or the optical assemblies601, 602A and 603 of FIG. 6B). Upon identification or discovery of thepolyp 711, on the wall of the colon, the operator may move or advancethe endoscope tip section 600 a (or the endoscope tip section 600 b) tothe vicinity of the polyp 711, and may magnify the polyp image using thefirst side-pointing optical assembly 602 with the second workingdistance lens 611, shown in FIG. 6A, in accordance with an embodiment.In another embodiment, the operator may magnify the polyp image usingthe first side-pointing second optical assembly 602B comprising thesecond working distance lens 631, shown in FIG. 6B. Depending upon thestatus of the polyp 711 as represented by the magnified image 711″, theoperator may decide to insert a surgical tool through a working channelof the endoscope to remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the polyp711 or its entirety for biopsy.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7B, which shows the magnified image 311″on the side view screen 703. The polyp 311 is shown magnifiedsignificantly occupying a large part of the side view screen 703.However, the images of the colon 707 and the colon folds 709 are shownwith default magnification on the front view screen 701, for example.However, zooming in and magnifying the polyp 311, by about 30% or more,for example, on the first side view screen 703, while the images on thefront view screen 701 and the second side view screen 705 are displayedwith a default magnification, may cause a loss of visual orientation andgenerally visual fatigue and discomfort, which may endanger successfulinterrogation, treatment and/or removal of the polyp by the operator.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7C, which shows a magnified image on thefirst side view screen 703 and darkened, blackened or disabled frontview screen 701 and second side view screen 705. The polyp 311 is shownmagnified significantly and occupying a large part of the first sideview screen 703 while the other two screens 701 and 705 are disabled,blackened and/or darkened. Disabling, blackening and/or darkening thefront view screen 701 and the second side view screen 705 allow theoperator to interrogate the magnified polyp image 311″ with no visualdisturbances or distractions.

According to aspects and embodiments of the present specification, aprocessor is configured to perform the following actions, in anysequence:

-   -   Switch off the front pointing optical assembly 601, switch off        the associated illuminators 608 and/or switch off, blacken or        darken presentation of the front view screen 701,    -   Switch off the second side-pointing optical assembly 603, switch        off the associated illuminators 628 and/or switch off, blacken        or darken presentation of the second side view screen 705,    -   Switch the first side optical assembly 602 from the first        working distance to the second working distance by moving the        first lens 609 out and instead moving the second lens 611 into        the optical path 610, for zooming in,—if the endoscope tip        section 600 a is being used. Alternatively, switch off,        deactivate or disable, such as by cutting electrical power        supply, the first side-pointing first optical assembly 602A        (having the first working distance) and switch on, activate or        enable, such as by allowing electrical power supply, the first        side-pointing second optical assembly 602B (having the second        working distance), for zooming in,—if the endoscope tip section        600 b is being used.

This enables, the front view screen 701 and the second side view screen705 to be disabled, blackened or darkened while the first side viewscreen 703 display the magnified polyp image 711″ replacing the earliernon-magnified image of the polyp 311.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8A, which shows a perspective view of amulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section, an inner wall of a bodycavity and an object of interest, according to certain embodiments.Endoscope tip section 800 (which may be the tip section 600 a or 600 bof FIGS. 6A, 6B) includes front-pointing viewing element or camera 801,one or more front-pointing illuminators 802, a working channel 803, afluid injection channel 804, a fluid injection channel 805 for cleaningcamera 801 and illuminators 802, a multi-focal side-pointing viewingelement 811 and one or more side-pointing illuminators 812. Theendoscope tip section 800, in various alternate embodiments, alsooptionally includes another side-pointing viewing element and associatedone or more side-pointing illuminators positioned on the other sideopposing the side of the multi-focal viewing element 811.

According to some embodiments, the term ‘inner wall of a body cavity’,includes, for example, an inner wall of a colon or intestine. Themulti-camera endoscope tip section 800 is illustrated in the vicinity ofthe inner wall of the body cavity 850 that may be a colon wall forexample, having an anomaly or object of interest 860 that may requirefurther interrogation. For further interrogation, operation of themulti-focal side-pointing viewing element 811 is shifted from a firstworking distance, such as that provided by the lens 609 of FIG. 6A orthat provided by the first side-pointing first optical assembly 602B ofFIG. 6B, to an increased magnification or second working distance, suchas that provided by the lens 611 shown on FIG. 6A, for example, or thatprovided by the first side-pointing second optical assembly 602B of FIG.6B. In accordance with an aspect, the object of interest 860 may be tooclose to the multi-focal side pointing viewing element 811 as shown bythe arrow 810 that illustrates the increased magnification or secondworking distance. As illustrated in the figure, since the distance tothe object 860 does not match the working distance of the increasedmagnification lens 611 or the working distance provided by the firstside-pointing second optical assembly 602B, zooming in and shifting tothe increased magnification working distance may generate a blurry imageof the object 860 on the side view screen 703, shown in FIG. 7A.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8B, which shows a perspective view of themulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section 800 with an inflatedcolon, according to certain embodiments. In various embodiments, theinner wall of the body cavity 850 is pushed away from the endoscope tipsection 800, thereby increasing the distance of the multi-focalside-pointing viewing element 811 to the inner wall, such that theworking distance, illustrated by the arrow 810, approximately matchesthe distance from the side-pointing viewing element 811 to the object ofinterest 860. In one embodiment, the distance of the multi-focalside-pointing viewing element 811 to the inner wall of the body cavity850 is increased or adjusted, for example, by injecting gas into thecolon through the fluid injection channel 804.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8C, which shows a perspective view of themulti-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section 800 comprising one ormore, preferably three or more, distance determining members configuredto contact the inner wall of the body cavity, according to certainembodiments. In accordance with an aspect of the present specification,distance determining members or spacers, such as the spacers 807A and807B, are pulled radially, outwardly, extended or deployed from the tipsection 800 and are configured to maintain a distance between themulti-focal side pointing viewing element 811 to the inner wall of thebody cavity 850. While in the present embodiment, two distancedetermining members 807A, 807B are illustrated in FIG. 8C, a preferredembodiment comprises three or more such distance determining members. Inalternate embodiments, one or more distance determining members orspacers are utilized. The first and second distance determining members807A and 807B are configured to contact the inner wall of the bodycavity 450 in order to maintain a constant distance from the multi-focalside-pointing viewing element 811 to the object 860 that matches theincreased magnification or second working distance, such as thatprovided by the lens 611 shown on FIG. 6A, for example, or that providedby the first side-pointing second optical assembly 602B of FIG. 6B.Thus, the distance determining members 807A and 807B are configured,that is sized and/or deployed to a position radially outwardly from thetip section 800, to enable a stable magnified image captured by themulti-focal side-pointing viewing element 811 for display on the sideview screen 703 (shown in FIG. 7C).

In various embodiments, the one or more distance determining members807A and 807B are deployable rings that are mounted on a distal end ofthe tip section 800 or pulled radially and outwardly from the tipsection 800 when triggered or actuated, such as by pushing a button orswitch on a handle of an endoscope comprising the endoscope tip section800, in one embodiment, or by configuring a processor, associated withthe endoscope, to automatically deploy the rings when the multi-focalside-pointing viewing element 811 is enabled to obtain magnified imagesat the second working distance such as that provided by the lens 611shown on FIG. 6A, for example, or that provided by the firstside-pointing second optical assembly 602B of FIG. 6B. In alternateembodiments, the one or more distance determining members 807A, 807B aredesigned as protrusions or spacers similar to the protrusions 415, 416,417 of FIG. 4.

In various embodiments, the radially protruding height ‘H’ of thedistance determining members or spacers 807A, 807B ranges between 1.5 to7 mm. In one embodiment, the radially protruding height ‘H’ of the oneor more distance determining members or spacers 807A, 807B is limited to2 mm to ensure that the field of view of the viewing element 811 is notdistorted by the spacers 807A, 807B. In various embodiments, the one ormore distance determining members 807A, 807B are spaced from each othersuch that a distance ‘D’ between any two consecutive distancedetermining members ranges between 8 to 10 mm or 10 to 15 mm.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a plurality of exemplary steps of amethod 900 of obtaining a magnified view of an area or object ofinterest within a body cavity, such as a colon, using a multi focal,multi-camera endoscope tip section of an endoscope, such as acolonoscope. A processor, associated with the endoscope, is configuredto implement the method 900. Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 9, atstep 910 a multi focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section, such as thetip section 600 a or 600 b, is navigated into a patient's colon in afirst mode of operation of at least one multi-focal side-pointingoptical assembly (that is, the first side-pointing optical assembly 602of the tip section 600 a or the first side-pointing first opticalassembly 602A of the tip section 600 b) to identify an anomaly, area orobject of interest—such as a polyp. During the first mode of operationthe at least one multi-focal side-pointing optical assembly obtainsimages and/or videos of the colon at a first working distance. The atleast one multi-focal side-pointing optical assembly is enabled tofunction at the first working distance using a first lens 609 or a firstside-pointing first optical assembly 602A (while the first side-pointingsecond optical assembly 602B is disabled) depending upon whether theendoscope tip section 600 a or 600 b is being used. In one embodiment,the endoscope tip section is operated in the first mode, by default.

The images and/or videos obtained from the at least one multi-focalside-pointing optical assembly, in the first mode of operation, aredisplayed on a corresponding first side view screen along with anidentified anomaly, while the images and/or videos obtained from a frontand a second side-pointing optical assemblies are displayed respectivelyon corresponding front and second side-pointing screens. It should beappreciated that the identified anomaly visible on the first side viewscreen, as captured by the at least one multi-focal side-pointingoptical assembly, may also be simultaneously displayed on the frontviewing screen as also captured in an overlapping field of view of thefront-pointing optical assembly. In various embodiments, during thefirst mode of operation a magnification of 100× to 6× of the capturedimage of the anomaly is enabled for the first working distance.

At step 520, the processor enables the at least one multi-focalside-pointing optical assembly to function in a second mode of operationin order to obtain and display a magnified image, comprising theidentified anomaly, on the first side view screen. During the secondmode of operation the at least one multi-focal side-pointing opticalassembly obtains the magnified image at a second working distance. Theat least one multi-focal side-pointing optical assembly is enabled tofunction at the second working distance by switching to using a secondlens 611 or by activating a first side-pointing second optical assembly602B (while simultaneously disabling the first side-pointing firstoptical assembly 602A) depending upon whether the endoscope tip section600 a or 600 b is being used. In various embodiments, during the secondmode of operation the enabled magnification of the captured image of theanomaly ranges between 250× to 100× for the second working distance.

In accordance with an embodiment, a distance between the at least onemulti-focal side-pointing optical assembly and the identified anomaly orobject of interest is maintained by deploying, one or more distancedetermining members, such as the members 807A and 807 of FIG. 8C,radially outwardly from a distal end of the endoscope tip section andadvancing the tip section until the one or more distance determiningmembers contact the anomaly or the inner wall of the colon therebymaintaining the distance to approximately the second working distance.In this embodiment, a radially outwardly deployed expanse or extent ofthe distance determining members, that are rings in one embodiment, canbe varied by retracting or deploying them partially or fully. In otherembodiments, the distance determining members are affixed to the distalend and therefore provide a fixed outward radial expanse or extent,approximately matching the second working distance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the body cavity, such as thecolon, is inflated in order to push away the object of interest lying onthe wall of the colon from the endoscope tip section, thereby increasingthe distance of the at least one multi-focal side-pointing opticalassembly to the inner wall, such that the working distance approximatelymatches the distance from the multi-focal side-pointing optical assemblyto the object of interest. In one embodiment, the distance of the atleast one multi-focal side-pointing optical assembly to the inner wallof the body cavity is increased or adjusted, for example, by injectinggas into the colon through a fluid injection channel located at thedistal end of the tip section.

At step 530, when the magnification of the magnified image on the firstside view screen is over a predetermined percentage, the processorperforms any one or a combination of the following actions: a) turns offor disables the front and second side-pointing optical assemblies whilethe illuminators associated with the font and second side-pointingoptical assemblies are switched on and the front and second sidepointing screens also continue to stay switched on, b) switch off thefront and second side illuminators associated with the front and secondside-pointing optical assemblies while the front and secondside-pointing optical assemblies continue to generate live images and/orvideo streams and the front and second side pointing screens alsocontinue to stay switched on, and/or c) switch off, darken or blackenpresentation of the images and/or videos on the front and secondside-pointing screens while the front and second side-pointing opticalassemblies continue to generate live images and/or video streams and theilluminators associated with the font and second side-pointing opticalassemblies also continue to stay switched on, when the magnification ofthe magnified image on the first side view screen is over apredetermined percentage. In some embodiments, the predeterminedmagnification percentage is about 30% or more.

If required, a surgical tool may be inserted through a side service orworking channel of the endoscope in order to remove, treat and/orextract a sample of the anomaly or object of interest or its entiretyfor biopsy, while viewing the magnified image. In accordance with anembodiment, actuating a button or switch on a handle of the endoscopeprompts the processor to switch the endoscope tip section from the firstmode of operation to the second mode of operation.

It should be appreciated that while the endoscope tip sections 100 a,100 b (FIGS. 1, 2) illustrate a single multi-focal optical assemblyconfigured as the front-pointing optical assembly 101 (or 101A, 101B)and the endoscope tip sections 600 a, 600 b (FIGS. 6A, 6B) illustrate asingle multi-focal optical assembly configured as the firstside-pointing optical assembly 602 (or 602A, 602B), in various alternateembodiments a multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope tip section maycomprise more than one multi-focal optical assemblies. For example,various embodiments of the endoscope tip section may comprise at leasttwo and upto three multi-focal optical assemblies configured asfront-pointing and first and/or second side-pointing optical assemblies.In such endoscope tip sections comprising multiple multi-focal opticalassemblies, the multi-focal optical assembly that is best suited,positioned or oriented to observe an anomaly in magnified or microscopicview is enabled to function in the second mode of operation to displaythe magnified view on a corresponding screen, while the remainingoptical assemblies and/or the corresponding screens are disabled and/ordarkened.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an endoscope tip section 1000 used to viewand obtain image and/or video of an internal wall 1020 of a body cavity,such as a colon, having an anomaly or object of interest 1022, such as apolyp. The tip section 1000 has an optical assembly 1001 comprising animage sensor 1005 mounted on an integrated circuit board, a lensassembly 1007 mounted on the image sensor 1005 to capture images and oneor more associated illuminators, such as illuminators 1008 and 1009. Thefirst illuminator 1008 generates a first field of illumination 1030while the second illuminator 1009 generates a second field ofillumination 1032.

As shown in FIG. 10A, while the tip section 1000 is being navigatedthrough the body cavity, the optical assembly 1001 is located at a firstworking distance from the polyp 1022 at which the first and secondfields of illumination sufficiently illuminate the polyp 1022 to enablethe image sensor 1005 and lens assembly 1007 to capture images of thepolyp 1022. Once the polyp 1022 has been identified the endoscope tipsection 1000 is now moved closer to the polyp 1022 at a second workingdistance in order to obtain a magnified image or view of the polyp 1022(for example, to closely analyze the polyp 1022), as shown in FIG. 10B.The second working distance is shorter that the first working distanceand, as shown in FIG. 10B, at the second (shorter) working distance thefirst and second fields of illumination 1030, 1032 fail to illuminatethe ployp 1022, partially or fully. Thus, even if the lens assembly 1007includes optical elements (such as lenses) providing a working distanceor field of view that suffices capturing images of the polyp 1022 at thesecond working distance, a lack of proper illumination diminishes theability of viewing or obtaining images of the polyp 1022.

Thus, in accordance with an aspect, the present specification disclosessystems and methods to adjust, redirect or redistribute the illuminationor fields of view of one or more illuminators to facilitate sufficientillumination of an object of interest for viewing or obtaining amagnified image and/or video of the object of interest using an opticalassembly.

FIGS. 11A through 11J illustrate various embodiments of a cross-sectionof an endoscope tip section, 1100 a through 1100 g, of an endoscopehaving at least one optical assembly, associated one or moreilluminators and associated light adjusting components. It should beappreciated that the at least one optical assembly (along with theassociated illuminators and light adjusting components) may beconfigured as a front-pointing, a first side-pointing and/or a secondside-pointing optical assembly. Thus, in various embodiments, theendoscope tip section is a multi-focal, multi-camera tip sectioncomprising one, two and up to three optical assemblies configured asfront-pointing, first side-pointing and/or second side-pointing opticalassemblies each having a field of view (FOV) ranging between 150 to 170degrees, in various embodiments. Also, in various embodiments of themulti-camera tip section comprising up to three optical assembliesconfigured as front-pointing, first side-pointing and/or secondside-pointing optical assemblies a focal length of the front-pointingoptical assembly is on the order of 1.1 mm while that of the firstand/or second side-pointing assemblies is on the order of 1.0 mm. Also,in some embodiments, the first and/or second side-pointing assembliesare positioned such that their optical axes are at a distance rangingbetween 6 mm and 10 mm from a distal end of the endoscope.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an endoscope tip section 1100 a, inaccordance with a first embodiment, with at least one multi-focaloptical assembly 1101 comprising an image sensor 1105 mounted on anintegrated circuit board, a lens assembly 1107 mounted on the imagesensor 1105 and including a first lens 1107 a and a second lens 1107 band one or more illuminators, such as first and second illuminators1108, 1109.

A distance between the first and second lenses 1107 a, 1107 b isadjustable to enable the optical assembly 1101 (or the lens assembly1107) to change from having a first working distance or focal length tohaving a second working distance or focal length. It should beappreciated that in this embodiment, both the lenses 1107 a, 1107 b arepositioned such that they have a common or same optical path or axis.The first working distance is associated with a typical or normalworking distance when the endoscope tip section 1100 a is beingnavigated through a body cavity, such as a colon. The second workingdistance is associated with a microscopic working distance, shorter thanthe normal or first working distance, when the endoscope tip section1100 a is moved closer to an identified anomaly or object of interest(for analysis) in order to obtain a magnified image of the anomaly, suchas a ployp.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the endoscope tip section 1100a also includes a first and a second light adjusting components 1118 athat are shown in refracted configuration in FIG. 11A and in deployedconfiguration in FIG. 11B. In an embodiment, the light adjustingcomponents 1118 a are positioned on either side of the optical assembly1101 such that the optical assembly 1101 along with the associatedilluminators 1108, 1009 lie between the first and second light adjustingcomponents 1118 a. In an embodiment, the light adjusting components 1118a have a lambertian reflectance surface configured to scatterly ordiffusely reflect light. Persons of ordinary skill in the art shouldappreciate that a lambertian reflectance is the property that defines anideal “matte” or diffusely reflecting surface. The apparent brightnessof a Lambertian surface to an observer is the same regardless of theobserver's angle of view. In an embodiment, the light adjustingcomponents 1118 a are etched with lambertian coating such as, but notlimited to, Labsphere's Spectralon™ or Spectraflect® range of coatingmaterials.

In one embodiment, the light adjusting components 1118 a are balloonsthat are inflatable for deployment or protrusion and are electricallyand/or mechanically actuatable. In another embodiment, the lightadjusting components 1118 a are screens initially rolled into spiral, inrefracted configuration, and later expanded in deployed configuration.

During an endoscopic procedure while a physician navigates the endoscopetip section 1100 a through the body cavity with the optical assembly1101 providing the first working distance or focal length, the lightadjusting components 1118 a are in retracted configuration so that lightemitted from the first and second illuminators 1108, 1109 directly lightup or illuminate the anomaly (as shown in FIG. 10A) in a first mode ofillumination. Once the anomaly is identified, the endocope tip section1100 a is moved closer to the anomaly, the distance between the firstand second lenses 1107 a, 1107 b is adjusted to enable the opticalassembly 1107 to provide the microscopic or second working distance andthe light adjusting components 1118 a (that are balloons in oneembodiment) are protruded or deployed (such as by inflating theballoons) so that light rays emanating from the illuminators 1108, 1109are reflected or redirected into a plurality of oblique light rays thatfall on the anomaly in a second mode of illumination. Thus, the obliquerays, in the second mode of illumination, sufficiently light up theanomaly for viewing and/or capturing magnified image of the anomaly atthe second working distance.

In one embodiment, the size of the balloons and/or amount of inflationof the balloons is such that when inflated and thus deployed, theballoons enable the multi-focal optical assembly 1101 to be at adistance, from the anomaly, that approximately matches the secondworking distance or focal length.

FIG. 11C illustrates an endoscope tip section 1100 b in accordance witha second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the multi-focal opticalassembly 1101 and the associated illuminators 1108, 1109 are similar tothe first embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B in that the light adjustingcomponents 1118 a are included. Additionally, in the second embodiment,first and second light adjusting components 1118 b are positioned overthe light emitting surfaces of the first and second illuminators 1108,1109 such that light emitted by the illuminators 1108, 1109 must impingeand pass through the light adjusting components 1118 b.

In various embodiments, the light adjusting components 1118 b includelight diffusers such as, but not limited to, liquid crystal transmissivescreens, movable translucent and diffuser films or quantum welldiffusers. Examples of liquid crystal transmissive screens or movabletranslucent and diffuser films comprise polymer dispersed liquid crystalfilms, also referred to as PDLC films, having microdroplets of a liquidcrystal material dispersed within a transparent polymeric matrix.Transparent electrodes are applied to opposite surfaces of the film. Inthe absence of an electric field, the liquid crystal microdropletsdiffuse light, so that the film is translucent. However, an electricfield applied between the electrodes orients the liquid crystalmolecules to allow the film to transmit light without diffusion, so thatthe film becomes transparent. Alternatively, the PDLC films may beconfigured such that in the absence of an electric field, the liquidcrystal microdroplets transmit light without diffusion so that the filsis transparent. However, an electric field applied between theelectrodes orients the liquid crystal molecules to diffuse or scatterlight so that the film is translucent.

During the first mode of illumination, when the physician navigates theendoscope tip section 1100 b through the body cavity with the opticalassembly 1101 providing the first working distance or focal length—thelight adjusting components 1118 a are refracted and the components 1118b allow passage of light with low or no diffusion. However, during thesecond mode of illumination, when the physician moves the endoscope tipsection 1100 b closer to the anomaly for magnified view or image capturewith the optical assembly 1101 providing the second working distance—thelight adjusting components 1118 b allow passage of light with highscatter or diffusion and/or the light adjusting components 1118 a are indeployed configuration to diffusely reflect light. Advantageously,scattered or diffused light results in a plurality of oblique rays ofillumination that are desired for microscopic imagery at the secondworking distance.

Advantageously, diffused light has a wide illumination angle. Accordingto some embodiments, an illumination angle of diffused light is nearly180°. According to some embodiments, an illumination angle of diffusedlight ranges between 120° and 180°. FIG. 13A shows a graph illustratinga variation of relative illuminance 1305 with reference to a radiationangle 1308 in polar coordinates for a light diffuser, such as the lightadjusting components 1118 b when no electrical field is applied to thelight diffuser. In one embodiment, the light diffuser is a PDLC filmthat is otherwise transparent to light but diffuses or scatters lightwhen an electric field is applied to it. As discussed earlier in thisspecification, PDLC films have microdroplets of a liquid crystalmaterial dispersed within a transparent polymeric matrix. Every liquidcrystal microdroplet has separate molecules of liquid crystal with atypical size 5-10 μm of about the wavelength of light. Activation of theelectrical field changes condition of light polarization and lightscattering too. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13B, on application of anelectric field to the PDLC film causes the relative illuminance 1305′ oflight to spread or scattered over a wider radiation angle 1308 comparedto the earlier illuminance spread 1305.

FIG. 11D illustrates an endoscope tip section 1100 c in accordance witha third embodiment which is similar to the second embodiment (1100 b) inthat the tip section 1100 c includes both types of light adjustingcomponents 1118 a, 1118 b. FIG. 11D specifically illustrates the secondmode of illumination when the endoscope tip section 1100 c is movedcloser to the anomaly 1122, located at an internal wall 1120 of a bodycavity, with the multi-focal optical assembly 1101 adjusted to providethe second working distance. As shown, in the second mode ofillumination, the light adjusting components 1118 a in deployedconfiguration diffusely reflect light of the illuminators 1108, 1109 andthe light adjusting components 1118 b also allow passage of light fromthe illuminators 1108, 1109 with high scatter or diffusion to form aplurality of oblique rays 1130, 1132 that illuminate the anomaly 1122.It should be appreciated, that in various alternate embodiments, whileboth types of light adjusting components 1118 a, 118 b are provided inthe endoscope tip section any one or both types of light adjustingcomponents 1118 a, 1118 b can be actuated and utilized to illuminate theanomaly for micrsocopic visualization and imagery. Thus, according tovarious embodiments, the light adjusting components 1118 a, 1118 b areconfigured to adjust, redirect, diffusely scatter or reflext light forproviding dark-field illumination for microscopic imagery. Dark-fieldillumination is achieved by providing light, as oblique rays,characterized with acute angles relative to the anomaly such that directreflection of the light from the anomaly to the multi-focal opticalassembly is minimal.

FIGS. 11E and 11F illustrate an endoscope tip section 1100 d, inaccordance with a fourth embodiment which is similar to the firstembodiment (1100 a) with a difference that the lens assembly 1107comprises interchangeable first and second lenses 1107 a, 1107 b. Thus,during the first mode of illumination, illustrated by FIG. 11E, themulti-focal optical assembly 1101 is enabled to provide the firstworking distance or focal length by having the first lens 1107 apositioned in the optical path or axis of the lens assembly 1107 whilethe light adjusting components 1118 a (such as balloons) are inretracted configuration. However, during the second mode ofillumination, illustrated by FIG. 11F, the optical assembly 1101 isenabled to provide the second working distance or focal length by movingthe first lens 1107 a out from the optical path and inserting the secondlens 1107 b into the optical path or axis while the light adjustingcomponents 1118 a are in deployed configuration (such as, by inflatingthe balloons).

FIG. 11G illustrates an endoscope tip section 1100 e, in accordance witha fifth embodiment which is similar to the third embodiment (1100 c)with a difference that the lens assembly 1107 comprises interchangeablefirst and second lenses 1107 a, 1107 b as illustrated in the embodimentsof FIG. 11E, 11F. Referring now to FIG. 11G, during the first mode ofillumination, the multi-focal optical assembly 1101 is enabled toprovide the first working distance or focal length by having the firstlens 1107 a positioned in the optical path or axis of the lens assembly1107 while the light adjusting components 1118 a (such as balloons) arein refracted configuration and the light adjusting components 1118 b(such as, liquid crystal transmissive screens) are enabled to allowpassage of light therethrough with low or no diffusion or scatter.However, during the second mode of illumination the optical assembly1101 is enabled to provide the second working distance or focal lengthby moving the first lens 1107 a out from the optical path and insertingthe second lens 1107 b into the optical path or axis while the lightadjusting components 1118 a are in deployed configuration and/or thelight adjusting components 1118 b are enabled to allow passage of lighttherethrough with high diffusion or scatter.

FIGS. 11H and 11I illustrate an endoscope tip section 1100 f, inaccordance with a sixth embodiment which is similar to the thirdembodiment (1100 c) with a difference that the tip section 1100 fcomprises first and second multi-focal optical assemblies 1101, 1101′(together referred to as a ‘composite multi-focal optical assembly’)comprising corresponding image sensors 1105, 1105′ mounted on respectiveintegrated circuit boards, corresponding lens assemblies 1107, 1107′mounted on the respective image sensors 1105, 1105′ and one or moreassociated illuminators, such as the illuminators 1108, 1109. The firstlens assembly 1107 enables the optical assembly 1101 to provide thefirst working distance or focal length. The second lens assembly 1107′enables the optical assembly 1101′ to provide the second workingdistance or focal length. Referring now to FIG. 11H, during the firstmode of illumination, the first optical assembly 1101 is enabled toprovide the first working distance or focal length, the second opticalassembly 1101′ is disabled while the light adjusting components 1118 a(such as balloons) are in retracted configuration. However, during thesecond mode of illumination, as illustrated in FIG. 11I, the secondoptical assembly 1101′ is enabled to provide the second working distanceor focal length, the first optical assembly 1101 is disabled while thelight adjusting components 1118 a are in deployed configuration.

FIG. 11J illustrates an endoscope tip section 1100 g, in accordance witha seventh embodiment which is similar to the third embodiment (1100)with a difference that the tip section 1100 g comprises first and secondoptical assemblies 1101, 1101′ (‘composite optical assembly’) similar tothe embodiments of FIGS. 11H, 11I. As shown in FIG. 11J, during thefirst mode of illumination, the first optical assembly 1101 is enabledto provide the first working distance or focal length, the secondoptical assembly 1101′ is disabled while the light adjusting components1118 a (such as balloons) are in retracted configuration and the lightadjusting components 1118 b (such as, liquid crystal transmissivescreens) are enabled to allow passage of light therethrough with low orno diffusion or scatter. However, during the second mode of illuminationthe second optical assembly 1101′ is enabled, the first optical assembly1101 is disabled while the light adjusting components 1118 a are indeployed configuration and/or the light adjusting components 1118 b areenabled to allow passage of light therethrough with high diffusion orscatter.

In various embodiments, during the second mode of illumination the lightadjusting components 1118 a and/or 1118 b are manually activated by aphysician by actuating at least one button or switch on a handle of theendoscope to trigger an associated processor to enable the endoscope tipsection (1100 e, 1100 g) to function in the first mode of illumination.In another embodiment, the processor is configured to automaticallyenable the endoscope tip section to function in the second mode ofillumination.

In some alternate embodiments, illumination intensity of theilluminators is adjustable. According to some embodiments, at least oneilluminator is switched off while other illuminators are switched on.According to further embodiments, the endoscope tip section comprisesmultiple illuminators that are located at different distances from themulti-focal optical assembly. Advantageously, in the second mode ofillumination, illuminators that are located in close proximities to themulti-focal optical assembly are switched off and while illuminatorsthat are located relatively farther from the multi-focal opticalassembly are switched on, thereby, result in a reduction of direct lightreflection from the anomaly to the multi-focal optical assembly.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a plurality of exemplary steps of amethod 1200 of obtaining a magnified view of an area or object ofinterest within a body cavity, such as a colon, using a multi focal,multi-camera endoscope tip section of an endoscope, such as acolonoscope, in accordance with various embodiments. A processor,associated with the endoscope, is configured to implement the method1200.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A through 11J and 12, at step 1210 a multifocal, multi-camera endoscope tip section, such as any one of the tipsection 1100 a through 1100 g, is navigated into a patient's colon. Invarious embodiments, the endoscope tip section comprises at least oneand upto three multi-focal optical assemblies. The one or moremulti-focal optical assemblies are configured as a front-pointing, firstand/or second side-pointing optical assemblies in various embodiments.As illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11J, the at least one multi-focaloptical assembly is: a) configured to have at least two lenses, both ofwhich are positioned in the same optical path or axis of the at leastone optical assembly, to provide a first or a second working distance orfocal length by adjusting a distance between the two lenses, b)configured to have at least two lenses that are interchangeably movedinto the optical path or axis of the at least one optical assembly toprovide the first and the second working distance or focal length, or c)configured as a ‘composite optical assembly’ comprising a first opticalassembly having a first lens (or a plurality of lenses) to provide thefirst working distance or focal length and a second optical assemblyhaving a second lens (or a plurality of lenses) to provide the secondworking distance or focal length. As discussed earlier in thisspecification, the first working distance or focal length is associatedwith a first mode of operation of the at least one multi-focal opticalassembly while navigating the endoscope tip section through the colonfor an initial identification of an anomaly, area or object of interest.The second working distance or focal length is associated with a secondmode of operation of the at least one multi-focal optical assembly whileobserving, analyzing, viewing and/or obtaining a magnified image of theidentified anomaly, area or object of interest.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11J, the at least onemulti-focal optical assembly is associated with one or more illuminatorsand also associated with a) light adjusting components of a first type,such as the components 1118 a comprising, for example, inflatableballoons having Lambertian reflectance surfaces which, in a first modeof illumination, are in a refracted configuration and which whendeployed, in a second mode of illumination, diffusely scatter light ofthe one or more illuminators so that light emanating from the one ormore illuminators is diffusely reflected in a plurality of oblique raystowards the identified anomaly, area or object of interest, and/or b)light adjusting components of a second type, such as the components 1118b comprising light diffusers such as, but not limited to, liquid crystaltransmissive screens, movable translucent and diffuser films or quantumwell diffusers. In the first mode of illumination the light adjustingcomponents allow passage of light therethrough with no or relatively lowdiffusion or scatter, while in the second mode of illumination the lightadjusting components allow passage of light therethrough with relativelyhigh diffusion or scatter so that light emanating from the one or moreilluminators is scattered in a plurality of oblique rays towards theidentified anomaly, area or object of interest.

In some embodiments, the first mode of operation is characterized with afield of view (FOV) of the multi-focal optical assembly of 330°, and thefirst working distance of 4 to 100 mm, while the second mode ofoperation is characterized with a FOV of 30° to 80°, specifically of40°, and the second working distance of 1 to 4 mm or 3 to 6 mm. Invarious embodiments, during the first mode of operation a magnificationranging between 100× to 6× of the captured image of the anomaly isenabled for the first working distance while during the second mode ofoperation the magnification available ranges between 250× to 100× forthe second working distance.

Also, in some embodiments, the first mode of illumination ischaracterized with a field of illumination (FOI) of more than 120° withrays of illumination falling directly (also referred to as bright-fieldof illumination) on the anomaly. In various other embodiments, the FOIranges between 150° and 170° in the first mode of illumination. In someembodiments, the second mode of illumination is characterized with a FOIranging between 140° and 180° with oblique rays of illumination (alsoreferred to as dark-field of illumination) falling on the anomaly. Incertain embodiments, the second mode of illumination is characterizedwith a FOI ranging between 110° and 170°.

At step 1210, while navigating into the patient's colon, the at leastone optical assembly is in the first mode of operation and theassociated at least one type of light adjusting components are in thefirst mode of illumination to identify the anomaly, area or object ofinterest—such as a polyp. In one embodiment, the first mode of operationand illumination are enabled by default while in other embodiments aphysician actuates at least one button or switch on a handle of theendoscope to trigger the processor to enable the endoscope tip sectionto function in the first mode of operation and illumination. The imagesand/or videos of the colon, during navigation, obtained by the at leastone multi-focal optical assembly is displayed on at least one associatedscreen.

At step 1220, the endoscope tip section is moved closer to theidentified anomaly (for a closer microscopic inspection using magnifiedviewing and imaging), the at least one optical assembly is switched oractuated into the second mode of operation and the associated at leastone type of light adjusting components into the second mode ofillumination to obtain a magnified image of the anomaly. In oneembodiment, the physician actuates the at least one button or switch totrigger the processor to enable the endoscope tip section to function inthe second mode of operation and illumination. In another embodiment,the processor is configured to automatically enable the endoscope tipsection to function in the second mode of operation and illumination. Inyet another embodiment, the processor is configured to enable theendoscope tip section to automatically function in the second mode ofillumination once the tip section is enabled in the second mode ofoperation by the physician actuating the at least one button or switchon the handle of the endoscope.

At step 1230, while the at least one multi-focal optical assembly (usedto optimally identify the anomaly at step 1210) and its associated atleast one type of light adjusting components are enabled to function inthe second mode of operation and illumination, respectively, theprocessor disables other optical assemblies and/or display of the otheroptical assemblies on corresponding screens and also disables one ormore illuminators and at least one type of light adjusting componentsassociated with the other optical assemblies (which may or may not bemulti-focal and, therefore, may or may not have associated lightadjusting components) when a magnification of the magnified image isover a predetermined percentage. In some embodiments, the predeterminedmagnification percentage is about 30% or more.

If required, a surgical tool may be inserted through a working channelof the endoscope in order to remove, treat and/or extract a sample ofthe anomaly or object of interest or its entirety for biopsy, whileviewing the magnified image.

The above examples are merely illustrative of the many applications ofthe methods and systems of present specification. Although only a fewembodiments of the present invention have been described herein, itshould be understood that the present invention might be embodied inmany other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of using an endoscope system that includes a firstoptical assembly, a second optical assembly, and at least oneilluminator associated with each of the first optical assembly and thesecond optical assembly, the method comprising: generating a first imageof a body cavity from the first optical assembly and a second image ofthe body cavity from the second optical assembly; simultaneouslydisplaying the first image and the second image on a first screen and asecond screen, respectively; adjusting the first optical assembly togenerate and display a magnified portion of the first image on the firstscreen; and automatically eliminating the display of the second image onthe second screen; wherein eliminating the display of the second imageis enabled by powering off, darkening, or blackening the second screen.2. The method of claim 1, wherein eliminating the display of the secondimage includes reducing a power supply to the second optical assembly.3. The method of claim 1, wherein eliminating the display of the secondimage is enabled by reducing an illumination intensity of said at leastone illuminator associated with the second optical assembly.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising a third optical assembly forgenerating a third image of the body cavity and displaying the thirdimage on a third screen.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstoptical assembly is configured to operate at a first working distanceand a second working distance.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein themagnified portion of the first image is created when the first opticalassembly is switched from said first working distance to said secondworking distance.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first workingdistance provides magnification ranging between 100× to 6×, and thesecond working distance provides magnification ranging between 250× to100×.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein: the endoscope system furtherincludes a control unit and a tip section, wherein the tip sectionincludes the first optical assembly, the second optical assembly, andthe at least one illuminator associated with the first optical assemblyand the at least one illuminator associated with the second opticalassembly; the first optical assembly includes a front-pointing imagesensor, a first lens assembly mounted to the front-pointing imagesensor, and a first integrated circuit board mounted to thefront-pointing image sensor; and the second optical assembly includes aside-pointing image sensor, a second lens assembly mounted to theside-pointing image sensor, and a second integrated circuit boardmounted to the side-pointing image sensor.
 9. A method of using anendoscope that includes a first optical assembly with a first opticalaxis, a second optical assembly with a second optical axis transverse tothe first optical axis, and at least one illuminator, the methodcomprising: generating a first image using the first optical assembly;generating a second image using the second optical assembly;simultaneously displaying the first image and the second image;adjusting the first optical assembly to generate and display a magnifiedportion of the first image; and automatically eliminating the display ofthe second image.
 10. A method of using an endoscope system thatincludes a first optical assembly, a second optical assembly, and atleast one illuminator associated with each of the first optical assemblyand the second optical assembly, the method comprising: generating afirst image of a body cavity from the first optical assembly and asecond image of the body cavity from the second optical assembly;simultaneously displaying the first image and the second image on afirst screen and a second screen, respectively; adjusting the firstoptical assembly to generate and display a magnified portion of thefirst image on the first screen; and automatically eliminating thedisplay of the second image on the second screen; wherein the firstoptical assembly is a front-pointing optical assembly, and the secondoptical assembly is a side-pointing optical assembly.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein eliminating the display of the second image includesreducing a power supply to the second optical assembly.
 12. The methodof claim 10, wherein eliminating the display of the second image isenabled by reducing an illumination intensity of said at least oneilluminator associated with the second optical assembly.
 13. The methodof claim 10, further comprising a third optical assembly for generatinga third image of the body cavity and displaying the third image on athird screen, wherein the third optical assembly is a secondside-pointing optical assembly.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein thefirst optical assembly is configured to operate at a first workingdistance and a second working distance.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the magnified portion of the first image is created when thefirst optical assembly is switched from said first working distance tosaid second working distance.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thefirst working distance provides magnification ranging between 100× to6×, and the second working distance provides magnification rangingbetween 250× to 100×.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein: the endoscopesystem further includes a control unit and a tip section, wherein thetip section includes the first optical assembly, the second opticalassembly, and the at least one illuminator associated with the firstoptical assembly and the at least one illuminator associated with thesecond optical assembly; the first optical assembly includes afront-pointing image sensor, a first lens assembly mounted to thefront-pointing image sensor, and a first integrated circuit boardmounted to the front-pointing image sensor; and the second opticalassembly includes a side-pointing image sensor, a second lens assemblymounted to the side-pointing image sensor, and a second integratedcircuit board mounted to the side-pointing image sensor.